Final answer:
The logical fallacy in the passage is a red herring, where Tai introduces an unrelated fact to divert from the issue of the dangers of chewing gum with braces.
Step-by-step explanation:
The logical fallacy in the passage where Tai replies to his mom's warning about the dangers of chewing gum with braces by stating that the first braces were made from animal skin is known as a red herring. This fallacy occurs when someone diverts the conversation to an unrelated topic in order to avoid addressing the original issue. Tai's response is irrelevant to the discussion about the dangers of chewing gum with braces and serves to distract from his mom's warning.
Red herring fallacies are commonly used in arguments to mislead or distract from the core issue. Recognizing these fallacies is crucial for maintaining a coherent and logical discussion. In this case, Tai's remark about the historical material of braces doesn't contribute to the discussion of why he shouldn't chew gum while wearing modern braces.