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| | BODY SIZE PATTERNS OF VERY LARGE MAMMALS. DOES WATER MATTER? |
 | | Here, we investigate the body size similarity of large mammals across the taxonomic hierarchy, and across geographic space, using data that include the complete late Quaternary mammalian fauna for five continents (North and South America, Eurasia, Africa and Australia), and all aquatic forms. |
 | | Thus, we include the largest animal that has ever existed, the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) at 190,000 kg, as well as numerous extinct large bodied members of Proboscidea, Gomphotheriidae and Megatheriidae. |
 | | Contrary to our initial belief, there is no support for the contention that the very largest mammals are facing constraints that influence patterns of body size diversification. |
| gsa.confex.com /gsa/2005AM/finalprogram/abstract_96823.htm (492 words) |
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