Afrotheria

Afrotheria is an order of placental mammals found in Africa, Madagascar and Eurasia. It includes the Afroinsectivora, Hyracoidea, Paenungulata, and Sirenia. These species are characterized by their unique, anatomical and physiologic features, including their long snout, flexible teeth, and a hydrostatic skeleton. Afrotheria is an important order in the study of mammalian evolution, as the first species of placental mammals to have evolved after the Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction event. Afrotheria is also important ecologically, as it provides a valuable link between ancient and modern African ecosystems. They are used to study the evolution of mammalian taxonomy, genetic interactions and ecological adaptation.