Fossil reveals that humans have climate change to thank for the shape of our teeth

Researchers at the University of Bristol, UK, say this newly discovered extinct reptile species reveals the earliest known origins of mammals’ incisors, canines and molars.

“The teeth show clear differentiation in shape between the front and back of the jaw, organised into distinct regions,” says Dr Suresh Singh from Bristol’s School of Earth Sciences.

“This is the basic precursor of what mammals have today - incisors and canines up front, with molars in the back.”

The news publication continued, “The reptilian creature, officially known as Shashajaia bermani, had large canine-like teeth that were different to other similar animals found in the Late Carboniferous period. During this time, giant insects roamed the land and swampy rainforests covered much of the planet.