The Rodentia, the largest mammalian order, probably originated in North America,
but are thought to be related to the anagalids and lagomorphs (both of which originated
in interior Asia) and to the African elephant-shrews (Macrosclidea). Rodents have incisor teeth
that continue growing and wearing down throughout life; these teeth remain sharp at all times
because they are coated with enamel only on the front. Rodent classification is based on differences
in the construction of the jaws and the jaw musculature.
- Anagalids
- Macroscelidea
- Lagomorphs
- Order Rodentia
- Rodent characteristics and evolutionary success
- Teeth, jaw muscles, and classification
- Suborder Sciurognathi
- Protrogomorpha
- Sciuromorpha
- Castorimorpha
- Myomorpha
- Theridomorpha
- Suborder Hystricognatha
- Hystricomorpha
- Phiomorpha
- Caviomorpha
Illustrations
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