Mammals Classification and Origins Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the basis of the classification of mammals?

  • Comparative anatomy
  • Serology
  • Genetics
  • All of the above (correct)

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 (correct)
  • They are more commonly preserved in specific habitats
  • They have a higher chance of fossilization due to their structure
  • All other body parts decompose faster

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 (correct)
  • Mammals are more frequently found in fossil-rich areas
  • Mammals leave behind more complete remains after death
  • Mammalian habitats are more conducive to fossilization

How have recent disciplines like serology and genetics contributed to the classification of mammals?

<p>By providing insights into mammalian relationships (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of mammalian teeth makes them highly resistant to physical and chemical weathering?

<p>Presence of crystalline apatite in the enamel (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has paleontological findings supplemented the classification of living organisms?

<p>By providing historical context to existing information on mammalian relationships (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What makes dental features ideal for the interpretation of mammalian relationships and phylogeny?

<p>Their broad radiation of feeding specializations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which subclass of mammals produces young ones that develop inside the body of the mother?

<p>Eutheria (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which order is an example of a Metatheria mammal?

<p>Diprotodontia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Prototheria mammals?

<p>Reproduction by laying eggs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic that sets mammals apart from other species?

<p>Ability to breathe through lungs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is unique to mammals' teeth?

<p>Heterodonty (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of mammals' mammary glands?

<p>Production of milk for feeding babies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Basis of mammal classification?

Based on a combination of factors including soft anatomy, skeletal structure, and molecular data.

Why teeth, jaws, skulls fossilize well?

Teeth, jaw bones, and skulls are denser and more resistant to physical and chemical weathering than other body parts.

Why is the mammal fossil record good?

Mammalian teeth enamel contains crystalline apatite which is highly resistant to weathering providing a detailed fossil record.

How do serology/genetics help classify?

Serology and genetics provide insights into mammalian relationships through the study of blood and DNA.

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What makes teeth weathering resistant?

The presence of crystalline apatite makes mammalian teeth highly resistant to physical and chemical weathering.

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How does paleontology supplement?

Paleontological findings supply historical context and missing links to existing information on mammalian relationships.

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Why are teeth good for phylogeny?

Dental features, diverse feeding specializations, reflect evolutionary adaptations, aiding relationship interpretation.

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What is Eutheria?

Eutheria mammals nurture their young inside the mother's body until they are relatively well-developed.

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Example of Metatheria order?

Diprotodontia is an order of marsupials within the Metatheria subclass, including kangaroos and koalas.

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What is Prototheria?

Prototheria mammals reproduce by laying eggs, a characteristic that distinguishes them from other mammals.

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Mammals breathe through what?

Mammals possess the crucial ability to breathe through lungs which allows them to efficiently extract oxygen from the air.

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Unique trait of mammal teeth?

Heterodonty, the presence of different types of teeth (incisors, canines, premolars, and molars), is unique.

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Mammary gland function?

Mammary glands are specialized organs that produce milk, providing essential nutrition and immunity to offspring.

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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.

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