Higher-Level Phylogeny of Glires: A Study Based on Osseous System of Fossil and Recent Gliriform Mammals

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9508685 Meng This research involves the evolutionary relationships of rodents, lagomorphs and certain extinct taxa (Glires) both to one another and to other higher mammalian taxa. Data analyzed will include tooth enamel microstructure, dental, cranial and postcranial characters from fossil and recent gliriform mammals. Phylogenetic relationships will be reconstructed using computer assisted cladistic methods. %%% The significance of the study is one of providing testable hypotheses of higher level mammalian phylogeny as well as those of the origins and evolution of Glires, many of which are currently under rigorous debate. In addition, important new fossil material from Mongolia and China will be prepared and studied by direct observation and by scanning electron microscopy. ***