Argyrolagus

Argyrolagus
Temporal range: Early Pliocene (Montehermosan-Chapadmalalan)
~5.3–3.6 Ma
↓
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Infraclass: Marsupialia
Order: †Polydolopimorpha
Family: †Argyrolagidae
Genus: †Argyrolagus
Type species
A. palmeri

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

Description

Jumping on its hind legs, the 40 centimetres (16 in) long 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.[2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Argyrolagus at Fossilworks.org
  2. ↑ 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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