Mammal Backbones (IMAGE) Harvard University Caption Harvard scientists are using the fossil record and a close examination of the vertebrae of thousands of modern animals to understand how and when specialized regions in the spines of mammals developed, and their findings suggest that – contrary to widely held opinion – specialization in mammal backbones dates back to some of the earliest land animals. Credit April Neander Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.