Carpolestes simpsoni

Carpolestes simpsoni is an extinct species of Plesiadapiformes, which is one of the earliest primate-like mammals appearing in the fossil record during the late Paleocene. C. simpsoni had grasping digits but no forward-facing eyes.

Carpolestes simpsoni
Temporal range: Paleocene
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Superfamily:
Family:
Genus:
Species:
C. simpsoni
Binomial name
Carpolestes simpsoni
Bloch and Gingerich, 1998

Weighing about 100 grams, C. simpsoni appeared adapted for an arboreal habitat. One large, nail-tipped toe opposed other toes, allowing a firm grip on branches. Like other species of Carpolestes, the dental morphology of C. simpsoni is specially adapted to eating fruit, seeds, and invertebrates.[1]

References

  1. Biknevicius, A.R. (1983). "Dental function and diet in the Carpolestidae (Primates, Plesiadapiformes)". American Journal of Physical Anthropology. 71 (2): 157–171. doi:10.1002/ajpa.1330710204. PMID 3799823.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.