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
In Depth Mendozahippus is a mammal genus that lived in South America during the Oligocene. Further Reading - Mendozahippus fierensis, gen. et sp. nov., new Notohippidae (Notoungulata) from the Late Oligocene of Mendoza (Argentina). - Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 30(6):1805-1817. - E. Cerde�o & B. Vera -2010.
In Depth A symmetrodont mammal from the Early Cretaceous of China, Maotherium would have been a small predatory of insects. Maotherium was named after the Chinese politician Mao Zedong. Further Reading - A new symmetrodont mammal with fur impressions from the Mesozoic of China. - Acta Geologica Sinica 77(1):7-14. - G. W. Rougier, Q. Ji … Read more
In Depth The type genus of the Hyrachyidae, Hyrachyus usually considered to be an ancient relative of the tapirs. Hyrachyus would have been an average sized herbivore for its time, and may have been hunted by other types of mammals such as mesonychids. Further Reading - Oldest West Indian Land Mammal: Rhinocerotoid Ungulate from the … Read more
In Depth At first glance the lack of fossils might make Branisella not seem an important primate, but here you need to appreciate two things; where the fossils have been found and how old they are. Dating to the Chattian stage of the Oligocene period about twenty-six million years ago, Branisella was and at the … Read more
In Depth Protypotherium might have looked like a long legged rabbit, but it was actually a notoungulate, a group of mammals unrelated to rabbits. The biggest confusion about Protypotherium is regarding its diet since it possesses all forty-four mammalian teeth, yet no real specialisation towards a specific diet. While Protypotherium is usually interpreted as being … Read more