Ptilodus
Ptilodus, extinct genus of mammals found as fossils in deposits dated to the Paleocene Epoch (65.5–55.8 million years ago) of North America. Ptilodus was a multituberculate, a group of rodentlike mammals that were once the dominant herbivores and granivores in terrestrial ecosystems. The teeth of Ptilodus included long rodentlike incisors, bladelike shearing teeth with striations, and molars with parallel rows of cusps. The palate had large spaces, and powerful chewing muscles were attached to the lower jaw.
Citation Information
Article Title:
Ptilodus
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
14 December 2009
Access Date:
February 22, 2025