Source link : https://earth-news.info/general/how-two-major-ecological-shifts-reshaped-60-million-years-of-ungulate-evolution/
A new study published in Nature reveals that two major ecological transformations over the past 60 million years were pivotal in shaping the evolutionary trajectory of ungulates, the hoofed mammals that include horses, deer, and cattle. By analyzing fossil records and environmental data, researchers have uncovered how shifts in climate and vegetation drove dramatic changes in ungulate diversity and adaptation. This groundbreaking research offers fresh insights into the complex interplay between Earth’s changing ecosystems and the evolution of one of its most successful mammal groups.
Two Major Ecological Shifts Redefined Ungulate Evolution Over 60 Million Years
Over the past 60 million years, the evolutionary trajectory of ungulates-a diverse group of hoofed mammals-has been profoundly influenced by two pivotal ecological transformations. The first shift, occurring during the late Paleocene to early Eocene, corresponded with a dramatic global warming event that reshaped habitats and food availability. This transition fostered the rise of forest-dwelling browsing ungulates, characterized by adaptations that optimized leaf and soft plant consumption. In contrast, the second major shift, spanning the late Miocene epoch, was marked by global cooling and the expansion of grasslands. This environmental change stimulated the diversification of grazing ungulates, equipped with high-crowned teeth and more efficient digestive systems to exploit abrasive grasses.
These…
—-
Author : earthnews
Publish date : 2025-06-11 09:20:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
—-
1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8