Indotriconodon

Indotriconodon
Temporal range: 66 Ma
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Eutriconodonta
Genus: Indotriconodon
Bajpai et al., 2024
Species:
I. magnus
Binomial name
Indotriconodon magnus
Bajpai et al., 2024

Indotriconodon magnus is an extinct mammal from the Late Cretaceous of India. An eutriconodont, it represents the geologically youngest of the group dating to the Maastrichtian just a few thousand years before the KT event (a reccord previously held by Alticonodon lindoei from the Campanian of Canada), as well as a relatively large sized Mesozoic mammal.[1]

Description

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Indotriconodon magnus is known only from a single lower molar. It is about 20% smaller than that of Repenomamus giganticus but larger than that of other eutriconodonts, making it a badger-sized mammal.[1]

Phylogeny

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In its 2024 description it nests deeply within Eutriconodonta, being sister taxa to Volaticotherini.[1]

Palaeoceology

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Indotriconodon is located in India
Indotriconodon
Indotriconodon type locality in Anjar pit BG1, Kachchh, Gujarat, India


Found in the Intertrappean Beds, it co-existed with at least other ten mammal genera as well various squamates, turtles and dinosaurs.[1] In this time, India was isolated from other landmasses, and had a unique island biota.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Bajpai, Sunil; Rautela, Abhay; Yadav, Ravi; Wilson Mantilla, Gregory P. (2024-02-29). "The first eutriconodontan mammal from the Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) of India". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. doi:10.1080/02724634.2024.2312234. ISSN 0272-4634.