A finding by a group of researchers revealed more information about the origin of the enamel, which covers human teeth. According to LA Times, by looking at the evolution of prehistoric fish, it has been concluded by the researchers that enamel has its origin in the scales prior to developing on teeth and bones.

According to the researchers, enamel is a layer that protects teeth and bones. It is also known as the hardest part in the human body.

In the study of ancient animals, the researchers were already aware that in the beginning, this material appeared on the scales of fish. Earlier, they used to think that it moved to the teeth and bones following the process of evolution considerably rearranged the scales' location. But the latest finding offered a different scenario.

In order to conduct the study, the researchers looked at the genetic composition of the Psarolepis romeri, which is a prehistoric fish that flourished in an area that is now called China 410 to 415 million years ago. As per the researchers, this animal was having enamel coating on its facial bones and scales.

According to paleontologist Per Erik Ahlberg of Sweden's Uppsala University, whose research has been published in the journal Nature, "This is important because it is unexpected. In us, enamel is only found on teeth, and it is very important for their function, so it is natural to assume that it evolved there". They are enormously important as food-processing structures, Erik Ahlberg added.