In Depth What is termed a monkey-lemur, Archaeolemur seems to have been a generalist that could adapt to a range of different environments. This notion is supported by the comparatively large number of remains including sub-fossils (remains that have not yet completely fossilised) associated with this genus. Archaeolemur seemed to have lived upon the ground, … Read more
In Depth Siamogale is a genus of otter that once lived in Asia during the Miocene/Pliocene. Further Reading - Feeding capability in the extinct giant Siamogale melilutra and comparative mandibular biomechanics of living Lutrinae. - Scientific Reports. 7 (1): 1–10. - Z. Jack Tseng, Denise F. Su, Xiaoming Wang, Stuart C. White & Xueping Ji … Read more
In Depth Although still a primitive horse the teeth of Epihippus show a trend more towards the grinding of grasses over the slicing of plant vegetation like leaves. This is a reaction to the changing ecosystems of the Eocene which saw the beginning of a reduction in forests with their subsequent replacement by grassy plains. … Read more
In Depth The holotype fossils of Barylambda were originally assigned to another genus of pantodont called Titanoides until later study revealed them to be different enough to warrant the creation of a new genus. As a pantodont, Barylambda was a member of the first main group of mammals to evolve after the mass extinction of … Read more
In Depth Although Moeritherium is popularly dubbed as a primitive elephant, it is not directly ancestral to today’s modern elephants. In fact in the past the elephants radiated out into a number of different families of varying forms, but like with other mammal groups most of these did survive into modern times. Hailing all the … Read more
In Depth Eofelis is one of the better known nimravids from Western Europe. Initially there was only one species but re-evaluation of the known fossils has determined that the larger specimens are actually those of a distinct species from the smaller remains, leading to the creation of E. giganteus. Further Reading – A new species … Read more
In Depth Comparable in size to a gorilla, Archaeoindris is one of the largest known sloth lemurs. Initially considered to have been a ground dwelling quadruped, further study has now led to the suggestions that Archaeoindris could have still climbed branches (albeit the thicker ones that could support its weight) as it foraged for food. … Read more
In Depth Chilotherium is a genus of prehistoric rhinoceros that seems to have had a geographic distribution spreading across Asia all the way up to Eastern Europe. Chilotherium had no nasal horns like rhinoceros are often portrayed as having, but Chilotherium still remained quite unique. Two tusks formed from enlarged incisor teeth rose up from … Read more
In Depth Titanoides was one of the larger and more heavily built pantodonts and is often described as being bear-like. However the large claws on the plantigrade feet as well as the large canine tusks that projected downwards from the mouth seem to have been for rooting up plants rather than actually attacking other animals. … Read more
In Depth Cuvieronius immediately stands out from amongst other elephants with its curved spirally twisting trunks which are often described as narwhal-like. However something else which this elephant is more famous for is that at the time of writing it is one of two genera of elephants that are known to have lived in South … Read more