Introduction to Paleocene mammals

 

The target of this section of the site is to compile the most interesting facts about Paleocene mammals. Paleontological literature can be a somewhat dry matter, especially if the subject is known from not more than fossil teeth and the entire animal remains largely unknown, as is often true for early mammals. Naturally, biological interpretations are quite limited in such cases. Nevertheless, there are exceptional cases where we can get a more complete idea of the animal and its behavior. I have tried to extract from the literature these highlights, besides giving an overview of the evolution and relationships of Paleocene mammals.

Reconstruction of a middle Paleocene habitat in New Mexico, USA. On the forest floor two mesonychids of the genus Ankalagon are eating the small crocodile Allognathosuchus. On the left the coati-like arctocyonid Chriacus is skillfully climbing up a plane-tree and is watching a Deltatherium on the small branch in the middle. Ankalagon and Chriacus are primitive members of the hoofed mammals, whereas the relationships of Deltatherium are still debated. Drawing by Gregory S. Paul, from Stanley (1989).

 

Articles

Multituberculates: Heyday of the longest lived mammalian order

Marsupials: A southern success story

Insectivore-like mammals: Tiny teeth and their enigmatic owners

Primate-like mammals: A stunning diversity in the tree tops

Condylarths: Archaic hoofed mammals

Carnivores, creodonts and carnivorous ungulates: Mammals become predators

Taeniodonts and tillodonts: Strange rooters and diggers

Pantodonts, uintatheres and xenungulates: The first large herbivorous mammals

 

Beyond mammals: Other Paleocene vertebrates


Source of figure:

Stanley, S. M. 1989: Earth and Life Through Time. Freeman and Company.

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