13 Questions
What is the basis of the classification of mammals?
All of the above
Why are teeth, jaw bones, and skulls the most common remains of mammals found in the fossil record?
They are more resistant to physical and chemical weathering
Why is the fossil record of mammals better than that of other major vertebrate groups?
The enamel of mammalian teeth is highly resistant to weathering
How have recent disciplines like serology and genetics contributed to the classification of mammals?
By providing insights into mammalian relationships
What characteristic of mammalian teeth makes them highly resistant to physical and chemical weathering?
Presence of crystalline apatite in the enamel
How has paleontological findings supplemented the classification of living organisms?
By providing historical context to existing information on mammalian relationships
What makes dental features ideal for the interpretation of mammalian relationships and phylogeny?
Their broad radiation of feeding specializations
Which subclass of mammals produces young ones that develop inside the body of the mother?
Eutheria
Which order is an example of a Metatheria mammal?
Diprotodontia
What is a characteristic of Prototheria mammals?
Reproduction by laying eggs
What is a characteristic that sets mammals apart from other species?
Ability to breathe through lungs
Which characteristic is unique to mammals' teeth?
Heterodonty
What is the function of mammals' mammary glands?
Production of milk for feeding babies
Study Notes
Classification of Mammals
- The basis of the classification of mammals is not specified, but various characteristics, such as dental features, are used to interpret mammalian relationships and phylogeny.
Fossil Record of Mammals
- Teeth, jaw bones, and skulls are the most common remains of mammals found in the fossil record due to their durability and resistance to physical and chemical weathering.
- The fossil record of mammals is better than that of other major vertebrate groups, but the reasons for this are not specified.
Contributions of Recent Disciplines
- Recent disciplines like serology and genetics have contributed to the classification of mammals, but the specifics of their contributions are not detailed.
Characteristics of Mammalian Teeth
- Mammalian teeth are highly resistant to physical and chemical weathering due to their enamel coating.
- The characteristic that makes mammalian teeth unique is not specified.
Paleontological Findings
- Paleontological findings have supplemented the classification of living organisms, but the specifics of their contributions are not detailed.
Subclasses of Mammals
- The subclass of mammals that produces young ones that develop inside the mother's body is the Theria.
- The order of Marsupalia is an example of a Metatheria mammal.
- A characteristic of Prototheria mammals is that they lay eggs.
Characteristics of Mammals
- A characteristic that sets mammals apart from other species is the presence of mammary glands.
- The function of mammals' mammary glands is to produce milk to nourish their young.
Test your knowledge of mammal classification and origins with this quiz. Learn about the basis of classification of mammals and the origins of mammals through Dr. Lukram Ingouchouba Meetei's lecture notes.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
