Lecture XI Mammalogy, Part I

pp. 368-384

- Origin of Mammals - Common Characteristics - Mammal Diversity, Part I

Origin of Mammals Mammals diverged from reptiles and birds ~330 mya. - Mammalian characters evolved gradually over a period of ~200 my. - Originally, mammals were probably small, active, nocturnal insectivores.
Myxini Petromyzontida Chondrichthyes Actinopterygii Sarcopterygii Amphibia Reptilia Aves Mammalia

Common Characteristics of Mammals How are mammals special? Integumentary System Hair, an epidermal derivative, is a defining characteristic of mammals (Fig. 23.9); - includes whiskers and fur, which includes guard hairs and undercoat. - Smooth muscles raise hair for insulation or communication

oil gland

Mammal skin also contains many epidermal glands (oil, sweat, and scent glands) and fat deposits, including brown fat, for generating oil gland heat.

Mammary glands - epidermal glands that enable lactation - also are a defining characteristic: - secrete a solution of proteins, lactose and lipids to nourish young
A

Skeletal System Mammalian dentition is unique: - dentition is heterodont, including incisors, canines, premolars and molars; - teeth have deep roots that are cemented into the jaw; - teeth meet precisely; - there are two sets: deciduous and permanent teeth.

Nasal turbinates warm and moisten inspired air, salvage moisture from expired air, and provide surface area for olfactory receptors.

Nasal turbinates

Mammals have a dorsoventrally flexible spine, vertical appendages, and a reduced tail, enabling a bounding gait.
Atlas Axis
Thoracic vertebrae Lumbar vertebrae

Femur Humerus Ulna Radius Fibula Tibia

Muscular System - complex facial muscles, enabling suckling, chewing, and communication. - A diaphragm aids ventilation of the lungs (see also Fig. 26.23). Circulatory System - four-chambered heart Respiratory System - alveoli are well developed (Fig. 26.21.)

Nervous and Sensory System The olfactory lobes are highly developed; the optic lobes are reduced.
Cerebral cortex Olfactory lbulb

Cerebellum

The cerebral cortex and cerebellum also are highly developed and convoluted, with cell bodies (grey matter) concentrated on the outside (see also Fig. 24.11).

Sensory specializations are those of a noctural animal: - visual acuity is poor; visual sensitivity is high (many have a reflective layer in the retina); colour vision has been almost completely lost;

auditory sensitivity is high (Fig. 24.22 ), due to a highly elongated cochlea, two new bones in the middle ear, and an external ear; olfactory sensitivity is high.

Mammal Diversity I The Class Mammalia includes ~5400 species in three main infraclasses and ~27 orders: Infraclass Ornithodelphia - platypus, spiny anteaters; - oviparous; eggs incubated in a burrow or pouch; no nipples; adults toothless; beak-like snout with electroreceptors.

Infraclass Metatheria - marsupials: opposums, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats... (several orders, filling a variety of niches)

- mammary glands with nipples; - viviparous, with embryos nourished via a yolk sac placenta: an association of the embryonic membranes and endometrium (uterine lining); - young born in a very immature state; development usually completed in a marsupium attached to a nipple - 2-3 young may be supported simultaneously at different stages of development.

Chorion

Infraclass Eutheria - placental mammals - viviparous, prolonged gestation enabled by a chorioallantoic placenta (Fig. 29.15) with counter-current exchange;

- mammary glands with nipples - radiated into ~20 orders ~65 mya.