Vertebrate Paleontology

  1. Amniote Origins and Early Evolution
    1. The Amniotic Egg Innovation
      1. Egg Membrane Structure
        1. Amnion
          1. Chorion
            1. Allantois
              1. Yolk Sac
              2. Evolutionary Advantages
                1. Terrestrial Reproduction
                  1. Protection from Desiccation
                    1. Waste Management
                      1. Nutritional Support
                      2. Developmental Implications
                      3. Early Amniote Characteristics
                        1. Skeletal Features
                          1. Skull Modifications
                            1. Vertebral Changes
                              1. Limb Adaptations
                              2. Physiological Innovations
                                1. Improved Kidneys
                                  1. Skin Modifications
                                    1. Metabolic Changes
                                  2. Basal Amniote Diversity
                                    1. Hylonomus
                                      1. Paleothyris
                                        1. Protoclepsydrops
                                          1. Casineria
                                          2. Amniote Phylogeny
                                            1. Synapsida
                                              1. Single Temporal Fenestra
                                                1. Mammalian Lineage
                                                2. Sauropsida
                                                  1. Reptilian Characteristics
                                                    1. Diapsid Condition
                                                    2. Molecular Phylogenetic Support
                                                    3. Early Amniote Ecology
                                                      1. Terrestrial Adaptations
                                                        1. Dietary Specializations
                                                          1. Habitat Preferences
                                                            1. Competitive Interactions

                                                          Previous

                                                          9. Amphibian Evolution

                                                          Go to top

                                                          Next

                                                          11. Synapsid Evolution and Mammalian Origins