Phylogeny and life histories of the 'insectivora': Controversies and consequences

The history of insectivore phylogenetics and systematics is reviewed, focusing on the relationships between the six extant families (Erinaceidae - hedgehogs and moonrats, Talpidae - moles and desmans, Soricidac - shres, Solenodontidae - solenodons, Tenrecidae - tenres and otter-shrews and Chrysochloridae - golden moles). It is examined how the various phylogenetic hypotheses influence the results of comparative analyses and the interpretation of insectivore life-history evolution.