Early Mammals

In this Exploration, learn more about the evolutionary history of mammals. Explore websites and then answer questions about mammals of the Paleocene.

The Paleocene
http://www.palaeos.com/Cenozoic/Paleocene/Paleocene.htm

Hall of Mammals
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/mammal/mammal.html
The University of California Museum of Paleontology hall of mammals has a comprehensive overview of the types and evolutionary history of mammals. Read about each of the three extant groups and the extinct Multituberculates. Be sure to visit the fossil histories of each group to get an idea of when they first appear in the fossil record.

Fossil Gallery
http://www.paleoportal.org/fossil_gallery/taxon.php?taxon_id=91

Paleocene Mammals of the World
http://www.paleocene-mammals.de/


1			What event was responsible for the large-scale radiation of mammals during the Paleocene?




2			Why are Paleocene mammals referred to as archaic?




3			In general, what was the climate and environment like during the Paleocene?




4			What are multituberculates? Why are they considered to be a successful group of animals?