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Phylogenetic aspects of Cetacean origins: A morphological perspective
- Source :
- Journal of Mammalian Evolution; September 1994, Vol. 2 Issue: 3 p157-184, 28p
- Publication Year :
- 1994
-
Abstract
- The evolutionary steps leading up to the origin of cetaceans involved pervasive changes in the masticatory apparatus, the ear, and limb morphology. These changes bear heavily on the phylogenetic relationships of Cetacea, and are investigated here on the basis of two of its earliest members:Pakicetus andAmbulocetus. A phylogenetic analysis of cetaceans, five groups of mesonychians, and five other groups of ungulates indicates thatPakicetus is the sister group to all other cetaceans, and that Cete (mesonychians and Cetacea) is a monophyletic group.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 10647554 and 15737055
- Volume :
- 2
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- Supplemental Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Mammalian Evolution
- Publication Type :
- Periodical
- Accession number :
- ejs14780566
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01473527