22. p. 491Synapsids and the Origin of Mammals
- F. Harvey Pough, F. Harvey PoughProfessor Emeritus, Rochester Institute of Technology
- William E. Bemis, William E. BemisProfessor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Faculty Curator of Ichthyology, Cornell University
- Betty McguireBetty McguireSenior Lecturer, Cornell University
- , and Christine M. JanisChristine M. JanisProfessor Emerita of Biology, Brown University, USA, Honorary Professor of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, UK
Abstract
This chapter considers the sequential acquisition of the most important mammalian characters within the synapsid lineage. It explores the evolutionary history of synapsids in relation to their feeding, hearing, locomotion and breathing. The three clades of Mammalia range between Prototheria (monotremes and extinct relatives), Allotheria (multituberculates and related taxa), and Theria. Mammals have more complex social systems than most other vertebrates, and these complexities correlate with many features of their biology. The chapter cites that the classic features defining mammals are hair and mammary glands. It mentions how studying fossilized skeletons helps with the understanding of the origins of mammals.
