The focus this chapter was all about teeth. It was a lot less confusing and more to the point than the previous chapter. Shubin got me hooked all over again with the story of his first fossil expeditions. When he first said that he was unable to see the fossils in the rocks while the other men were, I couldn't help but think "Either you're dumb or you need your eyes checked. How can you not see them if they're right in front of you!" But then I reminded myself that I'd probably have the same problem if I was in his situation. No need to be hypocritical. Shubin's experience with his first fossil expedition was similar to anytime we learn something new in our lives. For example, something as simple as learning how to walk. We don't automatically know how to walk the moment we're born. We learn as we get a little older and watch our parents and others around us. Then, with their help, we attempt to copy them. We try and try, sometimes tripping and falling, and it can get frustrating. But once we get the hang of it, we never forget it. We will know how to walk and jump and run for the rest of our lives. Shubin was frustrated by his inability to see the fossils, but once he found his first one he could see hundreds. I personally think that is pretty incredible. On a scientific note, Shubin never fails to show some sort of relation between humans and other different species. I was surprised to learn that scales, feathers, hair, and breasts all develop in the same way as teeth, with two layers of tissue in the skin and DNA to distinguish the final products. In fact, the process of it originated from teeth. Once again we find something to connect us to ancient species of fish like lampreys and ostracoderms: teeth. CHOMP!
~Bryanna Streeter :)
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