Six Stories from the End of Representation: Images in Painting, Photography, Astronomy, Microscopy, Particle Physics, and Quantum Mechanics, 1980-2000 by elkins, james

Abstract

Enamel forms as prisms or rods that align together like bunches of dry spaghetti strands. Thicker enamel prevents tooth fracture caused by high stresses associated with feeding on hard objects. Thickened tooth enamel is a trait that separates most early hominins. Enamel and dentine combine with wear to produce efficient grinding surfaces.