Tytthosoceros
Tytthosoceros is an extinct genus of prehistoric marine mammals belonging to the order Cetacea. These animals lived during the Eocene epoch, approximately 56 to 34 million years ago, and were characterized by their distinctive, elongated snouts. The name “Tytthosoceros” comes from the Greek words “tytthos” (meaning “small”) and “ceros” (meaning “horn”), referring to the animal’s small, horn-like snout.
Common Names
There are no common names for Tytthosoceros, as it is primarily known by its scientific name.
Characteristics
Tytthosoceros is primarily known from its skull and teeth, which are well-preserved in fossil records. The most distinctive feature is its elongated, horn-like snout, which was likely used for foraging or sensing prey. The teeth are also highly specialized, suggesting a diet of small, aquatic organisms. Tytthosoceros was relatively small for a cetacean, with an estimated body length of around 1.5 to 2 meters.
Environment
Tytthosoceros inhabited marine environments during the Eocene epoch. The fossils have been found in various locations around the world, including Europe and North America. The Eocene was a time of significant global warming and sea level rise, which likely influenced the distribution and evolution of these marine mammals.