What was the first animal with spines?

Spines and quills evolved independently at multiple places and times in the mammal tree of life; thus, they are an example of convergence. The oldest mammal known to have enlarged, hardened hairs for defense is Pholidocerus, an extinct ancestor of the hedgehog that lived over 40 million years ago.

1. What animal had the first spine?
2. When did spines evolve?
3. What are animals with spines called?
4. What did hedgehogs evolve from?
5. What animals have flexible spines?
6. What animal has a strong spine?
7. What do thorns do?
8. Why do cactus have thorns?
9. Where did thorns come from?
10. Do hedgehogs have quills?
11. Do echidna spines hurt?
12. Is a hedgehog a rodent?
13. Is a porcupine a hedgehog?
14. How did porcupines evolve?
15. What is a porcupine quill?

What animal had the first spine?

First vertebrates

The earliest known vertebrate is believed to be Myllokunmingia. One of many early vertebrates are Haikouichthys ercaicunensis. Unlike the other fauna that dominated the Cambrian, these groups had the basic vertebrate body plan: a notochord, rudimentary vertebrae, and a well-defined head and tail.

When did spines evolve?

The spine evolved about 500 million years ago. The Cambrian explosion responsible for upright walking began when the ocean's creatures developed vertebrae.

What are animals with spines called?

An animal that has a backbone and skeletal system is called a vertebrate. Vertebrates are animals with backbones and skeletal systems. A backbone can also be called a spine, spinal column, or vertebral column. The individual bones that make up a backbone are called vertebrae.

What did hedgehogs evolve from?

Litolestes and Leipsanolestes. Litolestes is the oldest known ancestor of modern-day hedgehogs. It lived during the Paleocene period, from 65.5 to 56 million years ago. Leipsanolestes is another genus from the same period, which fed mainly on insects.

What animals have flexible spines?

The tiny African mammals have an interlocking and highly flexible spine, new x-rays reveal—but they only deepen the intrigue. Discovered in 2013, Scutisorex thori is one of two known species of hero shrew. It's named after Thor, the brawny god of strength in Norse mythology.

What animal has a strong spine?

Dense vertebrae add strength to the little mammal's unyielding spine. A hero shrew (Scutisorex), like this one found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is tiny but mighty thanks to its uniquely strong backbone.

What do thorns do?

Function. The predominant function of thorns, spines, and prickles is deterring herbivory in a mechanical form. ... In some cases, spines have been shown to shade or insulate the plants that grow them, thereby protecting them from extreme temperatures.

Why do cactus have thorns?

Over time, those leaves evolved into the spiky spines we see on cactuses today because they help the plants survive in hot, dry environments. "They can be a defense mechanism to discourage herbivores - animals that eat plants - from eating the cactus. But, also, spines create shade!" explains Kimberlie McCue.

Where did thorns come from?

Thorns arise from shoots in plants such as bougainvillea, hawthorn and citrus. Irish, who is also professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, was fascinated by thorns that grow on old honey locust trees, commonly found along the streets of New Haven and other urban areas.

Do hedgehogs have quills?

With about 3,000 to 5,000 quills covering its back, the hedgehog can protect itself from predators that think it would make a tasty snack. When threatened, the hedgehog raises its quills upright in a crisscross pattern, making its body pointy and sharp.

Do echidna spines hurt?

"We've seen the spines actually melted down to little nubs on the body." This might sound particularly painful, but Rismiller says not to worry too much, as it wouldn't hurt quite as badly as you might imagine. "The spines are modified hairs," she explained. "So, you know, they do grow back."

Is a hedgehog a rodent?

A hedgehog is not a rodent. Their order is Erinaceomorpha, which means they are not related to porcupines at all! Hedgehogs share more of their lineage with shrews. They do, however, sport hair that is modified into quills for defense.

Is a porcupine a hedgehog?

Hedgehogs are small mammals with cone-shaped faces, short legs and bodies that are covered with porcupine-like quills. Despite their similar appearances, porcupines and hedgehogs are not closely related. Unlike porcupines, hedgehog quills are not easily detached from their bodies, according to Animal Planet.

How did porcupines evolve?

The porcupine is a caviomorph rodent whose ancestors rafted across the Atlantic from Africa to Brazil over 30 million years ago, and then migrated to North America during the Great American Interchange after the Isthmus of Panama rose 3 million years ago.

What is a porcupine quill?

"Quills are modified hairs and are covered with scales that act like fishhook barbs causing the quills to keep moving inward, deeper into the tissue." ... Porcupine quills can puncture the skin and move through muscle, ultimately penetrating into body cavities and internal organs.