Kopidodon
| Kopidodon Temporal range: Early Eocene | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Kopidodon macrognathus | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Cimolesta |
| Suborder: | Pantolesta |
| Family: | Paroxyclaenidae |
| Subfamily: | Paroxyclaeninae |
| Genus: | Kopidodon |
| Species: | K. macrognathus |
| Binomial name | |
| Kopidodon macrognathus (Wittich, 1902) | |
Kopidodon is a genus of extinct squirrel-like mammals belonging to the order Cimolesta. Kopidodon was one of the largest tree-dwelling mammals known from Eocene Europe: growing 115 centimeters long (most of that length is tail). This mammal sported fearsome canine teeth, probably for defense. However its molars were designed for chewing plants, not flesh. Its legs and claws allowed Kopidodon to scramble through the trees with the greatest of ease, much like modern-day squirrels. Its fossils were found in the Messel pit, preserving even its fur. We know that like a giant squirrel, Kopidodon had a thick bushy tail for balance.
Artist's reconstruction
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 6/29/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.