Published , Modified Abstract on Warm-bodied Ties Between Mammals and Birds More Ancient Than Previously Recognized Original source
Warm-bodied Ties Between Mammals and Birds More Ancient Than Previously Recognized
The relationship between mammals and birds has long been a topic of interest for scientists. While it is well-known that both groups are warm-blooded, or endothermic, recent research has shed new light on just how far back this shared trait goes. In fact, warm-bodied ties between mammals and birds may be more ancient than previously recognized.
The Evolution of Endothermy
Endothermy, or the ability to regulate body temperature internally, is a defining characteristic of both mammals and birds. However, it was not always this way. In fact, the earliest vertebrates were ectothermic, meaning they relied on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature.
Over time, some groups of animals evolved the ability to generate their own heat through metabolic processes. This allowed them to maintain a constant body temperature even in cold environments. This adaptation is known as endothermy.
The Connection Between Mammals and Birds
While mammals and birds are both endothermic, they evolved this trait independently. Mammals are believed to have developed endothermy around 270 million years ago, while birds evolved the trait around 150 million years ago.
Despite this separate evolution, recent research has suggested that there may be a deeper connection between these two groups. A study published in the journal Science Advances found evidence that warm-bodied ties between mammals and birds may be more ancient than previously recognized.
The Study
The study focused on a group of extinct reptiles known as synapsids. Synapsids are believed to be the ancestors of modern mammals and are known for their mammal-like characteristics, such as hair and milk production.
The researchers analyzed fossilized bones from several synapsid species and found evidence that these animals were also warm-blooded. Specifically, they looked at the size of blood vessels in the bones, which is a known indicator of endothermy.
The results showed that the blood vessels in synapsids were similar in size to those found in modern mammals and birds. This suggests that these animals were also able to regulate their body temperature internally, making them warm-blooded.
Implications of the Study
The findings of this study have several implications for our understanding of the evolution of endothermy. First, they suggest that warm-bloodedness may be an even more ancient trait than previously recognized. Second, they support the idea that endothermy may have evolved multiple times in different groups of animals.
Finally, the study highlights the importance of studying extinct animals in order to better understand the evolution of modern species. By looking at the characteristics of ancient animals, we can gain insights into how traits like endothermy evolved over time.
Conclusion
The relationship between mammals and birds is a fascinating topic for scientists and laypeople alike. While we have long known that both groups are warm-blooded, recent research has suggested that this shared trait may be even more ancient than previously recognized.
By studying fossilized bones from extinct synapsids, researchers have found evidence that these animals were also warm-blooded. This suggests that endothermy may have evolved multiple times in different groups of animals and highlights the importance of studying ancient species to better understand modern ones.
FAQs
1. What is endothermy?
Endothermy is the ability to regulate body temperature internally. It allows animals to maintain a constant body temperature even in cold environments.
2. When did mammals evolve endothermy?
Mammals are believed to have developed endothermy around 270 million years ago.
3. When did birds evolve endothermy?
Birds evolved endothermy around 150 million years ago.
4. What are synapsids?
Synapsids are a group of extinct reptiles that are believed to be the ancestors of modern mammals.
5. How did the researchers in the study determine that synapsids were warm-blooded?
The researchers analyzed the size of blood vessels in fossilized bones from several synapsid species. The size of blood vessels is a known indicator of endothermy.
This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.