Azilestes | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Family: | †Zhelestidae |
Genus: | †Azilestes Gheerbrant & Teodori, 2021 |
Species: | †A. ragei
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Binomial name | |
†Azilestes ragei Gheerbrant & Teodori, 2021
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Azilestes ("Mas-d'Azil robber") is a genus of probable zhelestid eutherian mammal, a family consisting of small herbivores, that was discovered in the early Maastrichtian Grès de Labarre Formation of France.[2] It is a monotypic genus, with only type species A. ragei being known. Only one specimen, the holotype described in 2021, is known. It consists of a partial dentary with teeth.[2]
Certain aspects of Azilestes's dental anatomy are convergent with later groups of herbivorous mammals, including Glires, though phylogenetic analysis strongly suggests a position within the Zhelestidae.[2] It possesses bunodont molars, enlarged postfossids and hypoconids, an interradicular crest and radicular grooves, a unique combination among Cretaceous eutherians.[2]
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