reptiles
You need to specify a time period for the question to be answered. Synapsids, therapsids, and cynodonts could all be called the early ancestors of mammals, but each at a different stage in the evolutionary history of mammals.
hominids
Hominids
The vertebrae that are believed to be the evolutionary precursors to mammals are those of early synapsids, specifically from groups like the therapsids. These vertebrae exhibited key adaptations, such as a more differentiated skull and changes in limb structure that allowed for improved locomotion and thermoregulation. Over time, these synapsid traits evolved into the characteristics seen in modern mammals.
Hominids
Vertebrate forelimbs are most likely to be studied in comparative anatomy and evolutionary biology due to variations in their structure, function, and adaptation across different species. They are also a focus of study in paleontology to understand the evolution of vertebrates over time. Additionally, research on vertebrate forelimbs can provide insights into biomechanics, locomotion, and development in organisms.
The evolutionary precursor to feathers is believed to be structures known as "dino-fuzz" or proto-feathers, which were likely simple filaments or hair-like appendages found on the skin of some theropod dinosaurs. These structures may have originally served insulation, display, or other functions before evolving into more complex feather forms. The transition from these primitive structures to the sophisticated feathers seen in modern birds illustrates an example of evolutionary adaptation and diversification.
Not actually. There were several different marine reptiles that had mammalian characteristics, notably the group known as pelycosaurs. The earliest mammals appeared early in the Age of Reptiles (Mesozoic Era), but were uniformly small in size. The group called synapsids took an evolutionary path to mammals while the sauropsids became today's reptiles and birds.
Yes. All chipmunks, no matter their species, are vertebrates. If you can touch the back, and feel something hard under the skin that has ridges, it is most likely a vertebrate.
Extinction events, such as the Permian extinction and the KT extinction event. You have adaptive radiation driving evolutionary change after such events. Google " the rise of the mammals. "
An evolutionary biologist is least likely to collect data by doing controlled experiments. Evolutionary biologists study living organisms through the lens of evolutionary theory.
evolutionary forces is most likely to decrease variation between populations