Argyrolagus

Argyrolagus is an extinct genus of South American metatherian, belonging to the order Polydolopimorpha from the Early Pliocene Monte Hermoso Formation, Patagonia, Argentina.[1]

Argyrolagus
Argyrolagus palmeri
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Polydolopimorphia
Suborder: Bonapartheriiformes
Family: Argyrolagidae
Genus: Argyrolagus
Ameghino 1904
Type species
A. palmeri

Description

Jumping on its hind legs, the 15–20-centimetre (5.9–7.9 in) long (without tail)[2] Argyrolagus resembled a gerbil or kultarr. It had a long tail for balance, and a narrow head with a pointed snout. Judging from its huge eyes, Argyrolagus was nocturnal. The form of its teeth suggest that it would have fed on desert plants.[3]

See also

References

  1. Argyrolagus at Fossilworks.org
  2. 新版 絶滅哺乳類図鑑. Yukimitsu Tomida. 30 January 2011.
  3. Palmer, D., ed. (1999). The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals. London: Marshall Editions. p. 203. ISBN 1-84028-152-9.


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