Information AboutPachyderm |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT PACHYDERMATA | |
| mammals | |
| obsolete taxonomic groups | |
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The Pachydermata (meaning "thick skin") is an obsolete Order of Mammal s described by Georges Cuvier and at one time recognised by many systematists. Because it is Polyphyletic , the order Pachydermata is no longer in use, but it is important in the history of systematics. Although it is often described as an artificial grouping of unrelated mammals, it was recognised as a grade of Hooved mammals to the exception of other Ungulate s by Zoologist s such as Charles Darwin , and anatomical characters do support the affinities of "Pachyderm" mammals to each other and to other Ungulates. Cuvier's Pachydermata included the mammals now placed within Perissodactyla , Hyracoidea , and Proboscidea , as well as the Suina within Artiodactyla . Therefore modern "Pachydermata" would be represented by the Horse s and their relatives, the Tapir s, the Rhinoceri , the Elephant s, the Hippopotami , the Peccaries and the Pig s. The term "pachyderm" is used informally, usually to describe Elephant s and sometimes for Rhinoceri or Hippopotami . |
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