Major mammalian clades: a review under consideration of molecular and palaeontological evidence

Author: Helgen K.M.

Source: Mammalian Biology, Volume 68, Number 1, 1 January 2003 , pp. 1-15(15)

Publisher: Urban & Fischer

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Abstract:

Recent advances in mammalian higher-level molecular phylogenetics have generated support for the recognition of four fundamental superordinal clades of living placental mammals. These superordinal hypotheses are used as a framework for exploring patterns and trends that have occurred during mammalian evolution to give rise to the contemporary placental mammal fauna. Potential relationships of recent mammal groups not previously referred to one of these four clades are examined here. Patterns of comparative disparity and diversity, historical and modern biogeography, and morphological and ecological convergence between and within placental superorders are discussed.

Keywords: Phylogenetics; eutherian; convergence; diversity; disparity

Language: English

Document Type: Miscellaneous

DOI: 10.1078/1616-5047-00057

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