Viridomys

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iViridomys
Conservation status
Extinct (fossil)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Class: Mammalia
Order: Multituberculata
Suborder: Cimolodonta
Genus: Viridomys
Species: V. orbatus
Binomial name
Viridomys orbatus
Fox R.C., 1971

Viridomys is a genus of extinct mammal from the Upper Cretaceous of North America. It was a member of the extinct order of Multituberculata, and lived during the Mesozoic, also known as the "age of the dinosaurs." It's within the suborder of Cimolodonta, though its further affinities are unclear.

The primary species, Viridomys orbatus, is known from fossils found in Campanian (Upper Cretaceous)-aged strata of the Upper Milk River Formation in Alberta, Canada. Possible remains have also been found in Dogie Mountain, Texas (USA). The Texas site is believed to be Paleocene in age.

[edit] References

  • Fox (1971), "Early Campanian multituberculates (Mammalia: Allotheria) from the upper Milk River Formation, Alberta". Canadian J of Earth Sciences 8, p.916-938.
  • Kielan-Jaworowska Z & Hurum JH (2001), "Phylogeny and Systematics of multituberculate mammals". Paleontology 44, p.389-429.
  • Much of this information has been derived from [1] MESOZOIC MAMMALS: "basal" Cimolodonta, Cimolomyidae, Boffiidae and Kogaionidae, an Internet directory.
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