ARTIODACTYLA The Zenith of Mammalian Evolution?

Mammalogy – EEOB 6255 March 2004

ARTIODACTYLA:Origin & Evolution

• A successful, modern taxon? • Parallel but distinct from Perissodactyla Separate origin from Condylartha• Diversification from Miocene with minimal decline since (during the rest of the Cenozoic)? • One of the most highly derived orders. Is this a valid statement?• 6th in diversity (after (?): __ , __ , __, __, & __)

Who is this?

Fig. 19.9

Diacodexis of the Eocene

Characteristics & Adaptive Radiationof Artiodactyla

• Paraxonic, weight born equally on digits 3 and 4• Advanced forms with hypsodont teeth and rumen• The origin & advantages of ruminant digestion • Evidence of extensive adaptive Radiation? -      Species richness? 220 species, 6th largest after: ____,____,____,_____,_____, 7th?-         Range of body sizes (3 kg to 4.5 tons)-         Other evidence?

Suiformes

Tylapoda

Ruminantia

Three Suborders of Artiodactyla

• Suborder Suiformes – Suidae, Tayassuidae, Hippopotamidae• Suborder Tylopoda: Camilidae• Suborder Ruminantia: Giraffidae, Cervidae, Antilocapridae, Bovidae

Three Suborders of Artiodactyla• Suborder Suiformes – Suidae, Tayassuidae, Hippopotamidae• Suborder Tylopoda: Camilidae

Suborder Ruminantia (4 of 6 families)• Giraffidae – 2 species: decline or radiation?• Cervidae – 42 species, Worldwide except?• Antilocapridae – Pronghorn, the All-american

• Bovidae – 137 species, Worldwide except?