A small fossil carnivore discovered on Devon Island, in Nunavut, Canada has shed light on an obscure stage in pinneped evolution. Pinnepeds belong to a group of marine carnivores that includes seals, sea lions, and the walrus. Pinnepeds are semi-aquatic mammals with limbs that have been modified into flippers. Pinnepeds are believed to be close cousins to two other groups of carnivores, the Ursidae (bears) and the Mustleoidae (skunks, otters, badgers, and relatives). Although scientists understand a considerable amount about the relationship pinnepeds have to other groups of carnivores, little is know about the terrestrial ancestors of today's pinnepeds.
No comments:
Post a Comment