Abstract: Most forms of the distinctive modern mammalian fauna of the Tibetan Plateau have long life history in this plateau, which indicates that they have long-term adaptation procedures within the high-elevation plateau. Mammals are very sensitive to ecosystem changes, so they can reflect variations of the climate, environment, topography, and elevation. As a result, the study to the evolutionary history of the mammalian fossils from the hinterland and adjacent areas of the Tibetan Plateau can prove the uplift process of this plateau and its significant influence to the climatic and environmental variations during the Cenozoic.

Key words: Tibetan Plateau, paleoaltimetry, mammal, fossil, ecosystem, zoogeography