Argyrolagus

Extinct genus of marsupials From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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]

Quick Facts Scientific classification, Type species ...
Argyrolagus
Temporal range: Early Pliocene (Montehermosan-Chapadmalalan)
~5.3–3.6 Ma
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Argyrolagus palmeri
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Polydolopimorphia
Suborder: Bonapartheriiformes
Family: Argyrolagidae
Genus: Argyrolagus
Ameghino 1904
Type species
Argyrolagus palmeri
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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] A 2019 study confirmed that Argyrolagus was probably adapted for bipedal jumping and was probably also well adapted for digging.[4]

See also

References

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