Although birds aren’t the only animals to survive without teeth—whales, anteaters and turtles get along just fine without them— the real question is, ‘Have they always been like this?’ The answer was discovered by biologists Mark Springer, a professor of biology at University of California, Riverside and Robert Meredith, an assistant professor of biology at Montclair State University. "The history of tooth loss in the ancestry of modern birds has remained elusive for more than 150 years," Springer states. That is, until now. The study focused on six genes that are essential to dentin and enamel formation. Examining these genes against 48 bird species, chosen as nearly all represented all living bird orders, the biologists were looking for any inactive mutations. They were able to pinpoint a common ancestor over 116 million years ago that was responsible for the evolutionary inactive mutation in birds today. The theorized answer to this edentulism was based on fossil and molecular evidence, that tooth loss and beak development must have evolved together in order to cause such inactive mutations that have spread throughout the genealogy of birds. Genes from edentulous turtles, anteaters and sloths were also tested, with similar results to the bird genes. The surprising discovery was only one of many that make up a large-scale scientific effort of exploring the evolution of birds. It seems for dentists, that sticking to people isn’t just for the birds.

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The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 106 Lenora Street, Seattle, WA 98121. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.

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The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor, should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 3250 Airport Way S, Suite 701 | Seattle, WA 98134. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.
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