Adapedonta
Adapedonta is an extinct order of mammals that lived during the Eocene epoch, approximately 56 to 34 million years ago. They were a diverse group of small, insectivorous mammals, with some species exhibiting adaptations for aquatic lifestyles.
Common Names
Adapedonta does not have any widely recognized common names.
Characteristics
Adapedont mammals were generally small in size, with most species measuring less than 30 centimeters in length. They possessed a number of primitive features, including a small braincase and a long snout. Their teeth were adapted for eating insects, with sharp incisors and pointed premolars. Some species had large eyes, indicating nocturnal or crepuscular habits.
Environments
Adapedont fossils have been found in a variety of environments, including forests, grasslands, and swamps. They were particularly common in North America and Europe.
Aquatic Adaptations
While most adapedont species were terrestrial, some, such as the genus Palaeoryctes, exhibited adaptations for aquatic lifestyles. These adaptations included webbed feet, a flattened tail, and a thick layer of fur, which may have provided insulation in cold water.
References
* Adapedonta on ScienceDirect * Adapedonta on Fossilworks