The idea of 'key innovations' has long been influential in theoretical and empirical
approaches to understanding adaptive diversification. Despite originally revolving around …

We propose a practical concept that distinguishes the particular kind of weaponry that has
evolved to be used in combat between individuals of the same species and sex, which we …

Systematic relationships of cervids have been controversial for decades. Despite new input
from molecular systematics, consensus could only be partially reached. The initial, gross …

Antlers are bony appendages of deer that undergo periodic regeneration from the top of
permanent outgrowths (the pedicles) of the frontal bones. Of the “less familiar” bone types …

Extrinsic and intrinsic factors impact diversity. On deep-time scales, the extrinsic impact of
climate and geology are crucial, but poorly understood. Here, we use the inner ear …

Deer are an iconic group of large mammals that originated in the Early Miocene of Eurasia
(ca. 19 Ma). While there is some consensus on key relationships among their members, on …

ABSTRACT The Ponte Galeria area within the city of Rome has yielded numerous
fossiliferous localities that represent a reference point for the study of the European Middle …

Palaeomerycids were strange three-horned Eurasian Miocene ruminants known through
fossils from Spain to China. We here study their systematics, offering the first cladistic …

ABSTRACT The Early and Middle Pleistocene were characterised by two major climatic
events: the onset of the Quaternary glaciations and the Early-Middle Pleistocene Transition …

The cranial appendage (headgear) is an iconic structure of modern ruminants, and four of
the five extant pecoran families display morphological and physiological specialties. They …