Evolution of mammalian homeothermy: a two-step process?

摘要

In this paper I address the simple question: How did mammalian homeo-thermy evolve? To answer this question, we need to know which mecha-nisms of the thermoregulatory system were possessed by the first mammals, and to trace the physiological modifications of this system as mammals evolved. To the extent that we are successful, we may be able to identify accurately "primitive" and "advanced" thermoregulatory mechanisms.