Leptictida
Leptictidium auderiense
- Europe: Grube Messel
- North America
- Asia
The Leptictida are an extinct group of insectivorous mammals that are in the fossil record from the Upper Cretaceous and became extinct during the Oligocene.
Features
The animals reached a body length of 60 to 90 centimeters. Snout was elongated and possibly ended in a short trunk. The dentition was primitive and consisted of two to three incisors, one canine, four premolars and three V-shaped molars.
The postcranial skeleton is known primarily for Leptictidium from the Middle Eocene, whose well-preserved fossil remains were found in the Messel Pit. Its forelimbs were much shorter than the hind legs, which makes a jumping locomotion, similar to kangaroos suspect. The tarsal bones of Leptictidium, however, were not suitable. Probably the Leptictida walked on its hind legs, resembling small theropod dinosaur, a travel method that no longer occurs in extant mammals, except humans. Another unique feature is the extremely long tail, which is supported at Leptictidium of about 40 vertebrae.
System
The skull and limb anatomy of Leptictida is so original that a relationship with another group of the Higher Mammals can not be found.
- Incertae sedis Leptictia Genus Lainodon Gheerbrant & Astibia, 1994
- Labes genus Sige, in Pol et al., 1992
- Genus Gallolestes Lillegraven, 1976
- Genus Wania Wang, 1995
- Genus Praolestes Matthew et al. 1929