Mammal Systematics

Mammal systematics is the branch of zoology concerned with the classification and evolution of mammals. It is an interdisciplinary field, incorporating aspects of genetics, taxonomy, morphology, ecology and geography. By combining these disciplines, mammal systematics helps us to understand the diversity, distribution and evolution of mammals. This knowledge is essential for formulating conservation management strategies, as well as for correctly identifying, naming and classifying species. Mammal systematics is also used for identifying new species and for interpreting patterns of distribution of present and past mammal species.