Scientists analyzed 322 mammal skulls. The research shows that the mammals that lived in the time of the dinosaurs were very similar. Even the ancestors of rodents and the ancestors of elephants looked alike. This means that the diversity among mammals we see now arose in a relatively short time.

The results of this study are “invaluable” according to the researchers and may help us understand how past events influenced mammal evolution. In addition, the results may provide insight into the characteristics of mammals needed to survive climate change.