Homology? or convergence?
These two extant taxa,
Nasua, the coatimundi, and Marmosops, the delicate slender opossum (Figs 1, 2) do not nest together in the large reptile tree (LRT, 2338 taxa) despite their many similarities, including their Latin American range. Too many other taxa share more traits with one or the other (at present) for them to nest together.
And yet, they do share a long list of traits in common.
Figure 1. The skulls of Marmosa and Nasua compared in frames 1 and 2.
” data-medium-file=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/nasua_marmosops_skulls588.gif?w=171″ data-large-file=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/nasua_marmosops_skulls588.gif?w=584″ class=”size-full wp-image-92691″ src=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/nasua_marmosops_skulls588.gif” alt=”Figure 1. The skulls of Marmosa and Nasua compared in frames 1 and 2. ” width=”584″ height=”1023″ srcset=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/nasua_marmosops_skulls588.gif?w=584&h=1023 584w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/nasua_marmosops_skulls588.gif?w=86&h=150 86w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/nasua_marmosops_skulls588.gif?w=171&h=300 171w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/nasua_marmosops_skulls588.gif 588w” sizes=”(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px” />
Figure 1. The skulls of Marmosa and Nasua compared in frames 1 and 2. Similar, yet different in many ways, including size, which would be expected if they were evolving apart for an estimated hundred million years.
These two are separated
by size and size dependent traits, like nuchal and sagittal crests, the retraction of the nasals, the enlargement of the canines and the appearance of a postfrontal (orange) in the larger taxon, Nasua,
They also differ in reproductive strategy.
Small Marmosops is a pouchless arboreal marsupial. Large Nasua is a full-fledged arboreal and terrestrial placental. The two are estimated to be separated in time with a last common ancestor in the Early Cretaceous.
Figure 2. Marmosops and Nasua in vivo.
” data-medium-file=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/marmosopson-branch588-1.jpg?w=300″ data-large-file=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/marmosopson-branch588-1.jpg?w=584″ class=”size-full wp-image-92697″ src=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/marmosopson-branch588-1.jpg” alt=”Figure 2. Marmosops and Nasua in vivo.” width=”584″ height=”515″ srcset=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/marmosopson-branch588-1.jpg?w=584&h=515 584w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/marmosopson-branch588-1.jpg?w=150&h=132 150w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/marmosopson-branch588-1.jpg?w=300&h=265 300w, https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/marmosopson-branch588-1.jpg 588w” sizes=”(max-width: 584px) 100vw, 584px” />
Figure 2. Marmosops and Nasua in vivo.
After more than a year of housekeeping
the mammal subset of the LRT, I finally put these two together, hoping to resolve issues. Alas, they do not.
Unfortunately, this exercise moved tree shrews closer to primates, despite the derived dentition (loss of the canine in tree shrews, making them closer to rodents and multis). That error will be tomorrow’s exercise in more housekeeping repairs.
I’ve seen and repaired this phylogenetic error before. It goes to show how every tested taxon in the LRT affects every other in this ongoing hypothesis of fragile interrelationships.
Not every experiment succeeds,
but watch this space for more such experiments and an update on this one.
Source: https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/2025/05/04/homology-or-convergence/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Online: | |
| Visits: | 1,692,842,169 |
| Stories: | 8,406,931 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
