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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  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | †Polydolopimorphia |
| Suborder: | †Bonapartheriiformes |
| Family: | †Argyrolagidae |
| Genus: | †Argyrolagus Ameghino 1904 |
| Type species | |
| †Argyrolagus palmeri | |
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]
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