Hapalodectidae
From EvoWiki
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†Hapalodectes |
Hapalodectidae (literally "Soft Biters" hapalos = "soft, tender," dêktês = "biter") is an extinct family of relatively small-bodied (1-8kg)[1] mesonychian placental mammals from the Paleocene and Eocene of North America and Asia.[1] Hapalodectids differ from the larger and better-known mesonychids in having teeth specialized for cutting (presumably meat), while mesonychid teeth are more specialized for crushing.[1] Hapalodectids were once considered a subfamily of Mesonychidae,[1] but the discovery of a skull of Hapalodectes hetangensis showed additional differences justifying placement in a distinct family.[1] In particular, H. hetangensis has a postorbital bar closing the back of the orbit,[1] a feature lacking in mesonychids. The skeleton of hapalodectids is poorly known and of the post-cranial elements, only the humerus has been described. The morphology of this bone indicates less specialization for terrestrial locomotion than in mesonychids.[1]
References
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