VERTEBRATE STUDIES | Speciation and Evolutionary Trends in Quaternary Vertebrates

摘要: The Quaternary is an ideal interval in which to study the origin of vertebrate species and their adaptations fossil record. time intervals available (10 2 –10 6 years) are order magnitude at such processes occur; there a rich record over wide geographical area; paleoenvironmental dating studies allow us put evolving vertebrates into chronological ecological context. This article focuses on case histories phenotypic evolution that can be traced through stratified sequences fossils. Speciation seen bears (origin cave bear polar bear), while adaptive transitions within across various lineages rodents mammoths. A multiplicity evolutionary modes evident. Whether accelerated still open question. integration morphological molecular offers particular potential for future.