In Depth One of the most striking characteristics of Leptictidium are the well-developed hind legs that are considered to have made this creature one of the rare few bipedal mammals (the others being humans and the macropods such as kangaroos and wallabies). The biggest problem with Leptictidium however is that we can’t be certain as … Read more
In Depth Junggaroperadectes is a genus of peradectid mammal that lived in China during the Oligocene. Further Reading - A new Early Oligocene peradectine marsupial (Mammalia)from the Burqin region of Xinjiang, China. - Naturwissenschaften 94 (3): 237–241. - Xijun Ni, Jin Meng, Wenyu Wu & Jie Ye - 2007.
In Depth Lestobradys is a genus of ground sloth that lived in South America during the Miocene. Further Reading - A new genus and species of Mylodontidae (Mammalia: Xenarthra) from the late Miocene of Southern Uruguay, with comments on the systematics of Mylodontinae. - Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 30(3):899-910. - A. Rinderknecht, E. Bostelmann, D. … Read more
In Depth Necrolestes is only known from partial remains, but the snout (the best preserved part) has an upturned tip. This has led to speculation that Necrolestes may have had a fleshy appendage similar to that seen on the star nosed mole (Condylura cristata). This in turn has led to speculation that Necrolestes may have … Read more
In Depth Eomaia was a ground breaking discovery as this little mammal is the oldest known placental mammal in the fossil record. Placental mammals are those that have young that develop inside their mother’s womb and are connected to their mother’s body via a placenta until they are ready to be born. Earlier Mammaliaformes such … Read more
In Depth Leptalestes is a genus of metatherian mammal that lived in North America during the late Cretaceous. Further Reading - A revision of “pediomyid” marsupials from the Late Cretaceous of North America. - Acta Palaeontologica Polonica 52(2):217-256. - B. M. Davis - 2007.