Susiformiformes

Susiformiformes is a proposed infraorder of placental mammals within the order Artiodactyla. This grouping aims to unite a diverse range of species that share a common ancestry, distinct from other hoofed mammals. The name itself, "Susiformiformes," is derived from Latin and Greek roots, suggesting a resemblance to pigs and a characteristic form.

The primary characteristic that unites the members of Susiformiformes is their dental and skeletal morphology, which reflects specific adaptations related to diet and locomotion. While the exact composition of this infraorder is subject to ongoing phylogenetic research, it generally includes families such as Suidae (pigs and hogs), Tayassuidae (peccaries), and sometimes Hippopotamidae (hippopotamuses). The inclusion of hippopotamuses is a point of discussion among paleontologists and evolutionary biologists, with some classifications placing them in a separate lineage.

Fossil evidence plays a crucial role in understanding the evolutionary history of Susiformiformes. The earliest known ancestors of this group appear in the Oligocene epoch, with subsequent diversification leading to the modern species. Their evolutionary trajectory is marked by adaptations to various ecological niches, from forest-dwelling pigs to more semi-aquatic hippopotamuses. The study of Susiformiformes contributes to our broader understanding of ungulate evolution and the diversification of mammals.