Mammals began to appear on our planet millions of years ago, and ancient mammals were strange. Here are some of the strangest mammals that made their way across the Earth in ancient times.
Morganucodon
Triassic period, regarding 205 million years ago
Morganocodon was one of the first mammals, having lived alongside some of the first dinosaurs. It was regarding the size of a mouse, and had all the features typical of mammals: hair, large brains (compared to reptiles), specialized teeth (incisors, canines, premolars, and molars), and highly sensitive ears. It is named following the place where it was discovered, and its name means “Glamorgan’s Teeth”.
Repenomamus
Cretaceous period, regarding 125 million years ago
Its size is the size of a badger animal, whose name means “reptile mammal”, and it was one of the largest mammals that lived with dinosaurs. Inside the stomach of one of the fossils, small dinosaur bones were found, a final meal that reflects a familiar story that some dinosaurs were truly afraid of mammals.
Cimolestes
Cretaceous period, regarding 66 million years ago
His name means “the thief of the Cretaceous.” This unknown, shrew-like (mouse-like animal) mammal was either a very primitive placental (placental) mammal or a close relative of placental mammals. It is one of the types of mammals that lived with the last dinosaurs, right before the asteroid impact.
Wortmania
Paleocene, regarding 65.6 million years ago
This herbivorous mammal is a family of “ancient” placental mammals that roamed the Earth following the dinosaurs. It was a digging animal similar to the gargoyle statues (which we find carved on buildings in European, American and other countries). This mammal used its huge clawed arms to dig into the dirt. Its massive jaw and extended fangs allowed it to eat tubers and other tough foods.
Eoconodon
Paleocene, regarding 65.6 million years ago
This terrifying animal ruled the early Paleocene, as it was a trident and the highest predator in its ecosystem. Soon following the dinosaurs went extinct, they took over the places where the carnivorous dinosaurs were in control.
Pantolambda Pantolambda
Paleocene, regarding 64 million years ago
An ancient placental mammal that was one of the first large plant-eating mammals in Earth’s history. It was regarding the size of a small cow, with a barrel-shaped chest and large hands and feet.
Periptychus
Paleocene, regarding 63 million years ago
Peripticus belongs to a mysterious family called Candelarthra, which includes carnivorous plant and animal eaters, has strong builds, and has hooves on its feet. Hundreds of cnidarians were described, but it was difficult to classify them. Recent evidence suggests that some of them may have been the ancestors of early horses and cattle.
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