Proterix

Proterix is an extinct genus of hedgehog-like insectivore from the Late Oligocene to the Early Miocene of North America.[1]

Proterix
Temporal range: Late Oligocene–Early Miocene
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Mammalia
Order:
Eulipotyphla
Family:
Erinaceidae
Genus:
†Proterix

Matthew, 1903
Species

†P. bicuspis
†P. loomisi

Description

Proterix was an armor-headed burrowing insectivore. Although it was speculated to be limbless in a popular science book,[1] very little of the post-cranial skeleton has been found, which is typical for mammals.[2][3] The original reference suggests reduced limbs may be possible, due to the unusually high number of lumbar vertebrae, but cautions that conclusions must be reserved until a complete skeleton is found.[3]

References
  1. Dixon, Dougal (2008). World Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs & Prehistoric Creatures. New York: Lorenz Books. p. 447. ISBN 9780754817307.
  2. Gawne, CE. "The genus Proterix (Insectivora, Erinaceidae) of the Upper Oligocene of North America". American Museum Novitates. 2315. hdl:2246/2525. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  3. Smith, G.R.; Friedland, N.E., eds. (1975). "Studies on Cenozoic Paleontology and Stratigraphy" (PDF). Retrieved 19 January 2013. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.