Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Teeth: Sensory Origins Redefine Evolutionary Understanding

5/22/2025

30 6

Summary

Story summary

Teeth may have originated as sensory organs rather than for chewing, reveals a groundbreaking study by Yara Haridy. Early tooth-like structures on fish skin were adept at sensing environmental shifts. This research redefines the fossil Anatolepis as an arthropod and identifies Eriptychius as the oldest fish teeth, showcasing their dual role in sensing and predation.

1 of 1

Story summary

Teeth may have originated as sensory organs rather than for chewing, reveals a groundbreaking study by Yara Haridy. Early tooth-like structures on fish skin were adept at sensing environmental shifts. This research redefines the fossil Anatolepis as an arthropod and identifies Eriptychius as the oldest fish teeth, showcasing their dual role in sensing and predation.