Chapter 4: Teeth Everywhere

Shubin uses a great amount of detail at the beginning of the chapter explaining why teeth are important in the body. Reflecting upon this, I realize that the teeth are responsible for more complex functions than most people give them credit for. Whenever we eat and chew, we do not think about the million-year-old process that is taking place in our mouth. Shubin helps me to realize the complexity of the anatomy in our mouth. Teeth are also symbols for a new way of making organs and the interaction between the layers of the skin. It was interesting to see the similar ways in which hairs, feathers, breasts, and teeth develop. To understand that most things in the skin have developed from the same processes that create the teeth is astounding, for in their differences, they are also exceedingly similar. The theme that carried throughout the first four chapters, similar body parts in different organisms, has been fascinating to follow and can truly lead me to better understand my own body.