4.25 - An incredibly interesting look into the history of one of evolution's biggest wins - teeth. There's still a lot we don't know about teeth, but what we do know makes for quite a compelling read. From their initial appearance hundred of millions of years ago, all the way through to today, teeth have, and continue to, play a huge role in the success of vertebrates. Whether discussing dinosaurs or fish, bats or humans, teeth, as both weapons and tools, are critical when it comes to survival, and their fossilized remains have helped us learn so much about the inhabitants of the world we live in. Well written and wonderfully read, this book is humorous, educational, and thoroughly enjoyable!

Thank you to Hachette Audio, Algonquin Books, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Genetics and evolution are hard subjects for me. I wasn’t sure that I would be able to grasp the very specialized content of this volume and I’m impressed at how the author makes the information appealing and approachable. What do we know about teeth? Turns out that not as much as we’d think. Schutt explores these features in animals, extant and extinct, as well as how they got that way. From elephants, hippos, vampire bats and humans, amongst many others. The audiobook narration by Charles Constant does great justice to the author’s sense of humor. He nails the middle ground between your favorite professor and a knowledgeable friend. The content goes from the perfect fodder for Trivial Pursuit to a more in-depth analysis of the composition and evolution of teeth and how they have influenced our lives and those of our fellow animals. Fascinating, entertaining and easy to understand.
I chose to listen to this audiobook and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Hachette Audio | Algonquin Books.

This book about teeth will put a smile on your face! If all science professors peppered their lectures and reading with such humor, there would be a lot more scientists in the world. In Bite we take a trip back in time, learn about dental forensics, how baby bats' teeth are used more like hands to grasp onto a parent before they can fly on their own, and many other fascinating and often humorous scientific tidbits related to teeth - in bats, fish, birds, and mammals. And why it's critical to visit the dentist regularly.
Bite is as fascinating as Salt or Cod, both by the excellent Mark Kurlansky, with more dad jokes. Seriously, a lot of puns, jokes, and humorous asides liven up the material and make it quite an enjoyable and interesting non-fiction book.
My thanks to the author, publisher, audiobook producer, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook in exchange for a review. Bite will be published on August 13, 2024.