Ferae
Indian lions and to protect the rolled in front Indian pangolin, both are distant relatives and be united in the taxon ferae. Photo from the Gir National Park in Gujarat.
- Pangolins ( Pholidota )
- Carnivores ( Carnivora )
The ferae are a taxon ( a systematic group) of mammals. It includes the two extant orders of pangolins ( Pholidota ) and predators ( Carnivora ) - which thus form their respective closest relatives - as well as possibly some extinct groups. The name derives from the Latin ferus on what " wild " means.
Features
The close relationship of these two outwardly different groups based on molecular studies and is not supported by morphological features. The pangolins, which are toothless insectivores with a covered by horny scales bodies were formerly placed in a close relationship to the anteaters due to some similarities in physique. However, the similarities are merely based on convergence, molecular biological findings speak clearly against a relationship. The predators - which also include the seals - are a diverse order primarily carnivorous animals whose next of kin have long been unclear.
System
The ferae be placed in the molecular genetic certain superiority of the Laurasiatheria. Their closest living relatives are probably the Perissodactyla, the common taxon from ferae and Perissodactyla is called Zooamata.
The classification of extinct groups in the ferae is not entirely clear. Most are the Creodonta, a widespread in the early Cenozoic, now extinct group of carnivorous animals, considered to be close relatives of the predators, but this is controversial. The Cimolesta, a widespread mainly in the Paleogene mammal group to which, among other things Tillodonta, Taeniodonta, Pantodonta and Apatotheria be expected, are sometimes incorporated into the ferae. It is doubtful whether the Cimolesta ever represent a monophyletic group (descendants of a single common ancestor ).
A possible cladogram of Laurasiatheria looks like this:
Bats ( Chiroptera )
Cetartiodactyla ( cloven-hoofed animals and whales)
Odd-toed ungulates ( Perissodactyla )
Pangolins ( Pholidota )
Carnivores ( Carnivora )
Insectivores ( Eulipotyphla )
While the ferae are now regarded as relatively safe, there are regular discussions in the systematics within the Laurasiatheria.