Why Is It Called a Canine Tooth?
These teeth get their unique name for their fang-like appearance that resembles those of a canine (another name a dog). Dogs are known for showing their fangs when they feel threatened, so these distinctive teeth have come to be associated with canines. In humans, the canine teeth are located outside your incisors and are also known as your cuspids.
Because we are mammals, just like dogs, we share a common ancestor. If we trace our lineage back far enough through time, all mammals share a single descendant, though it’s difficult to know exactly when canine teeth were evolved. According to Ask An Anthropologist, they’re a trait we share with all hominins, our ancestors from over seven million years ago.
Our canines have grown smaller over generations, probably because we have used them less for fighting over time. Tools likely made it less appealing to use our teeth to get up close and personal with our prey, rivals, and environment. You can still notice this occurring today as you’re probably more liable to cut food into small portions or cook it into soft bites instead of chewing large, rough pieces.