An abbreviated evolution of mankind is highlighted above going back to the cynodont, Chiniquodon (lower left), and extending through the first mammal, Megazostrodon (smallest specimen), to Vulpavus, Notharctus, Proconsul, Australopithecus and finally Homo sapiens (at right).

If you want to read the book, "From the Beginning - The Story of Human Evolution" by David Peters (Little, Brown 1991), which is where the above images were first published, click here for the PDF.

The lineage of mammals and their therapsid ancestors is highlighted above in white going back to Archaeothyris and extending through Ophiacodon, Biarmosuchus, Eotitanosuchus, Scymnognathus, Aelurognathus, Procynosuchus, Thrinaxodon, Chiniquodon, Pachygenelus, Megazostrodon and Eomaia. Click on the various links for more information.

The main trends in this lineage include retention of the canine, expansion of the lateral temporal fenestra, evolution of the posterior jaw bones into ear ossicles, enlargement and posterior expansion of the dentary and a sharp reduction in overall size with Pachygenelus. The entire reptile tree is here.