Kopidodon

Taxobox
name = "Kopidodon"
fossil_range = Early Eocene

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image_caption = "Kopidodon macrognathus"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Mammalia
ordo = Cimolesta
familia = Paroxyclaenidae
genus = "Kopidodon"
species = "K. macrognathus"
binomial = "Kopidodon macrognathus"
binomial_authority = Wittich, 1898

"Kopidodon" is a genus of extinct squirrel-like mammals belonging to the order Cimolesta. "Kopidodon" was one of the largest tree-dwelling mammals known from Eocene Europe: growing 115 centimeters long (most of that length is tail). This mammal sported fearsome canine teeth, probably for defense. However its molars were designed for chewing plants, not flesh. Its legs and claws allowed "Kopidodon" to scramble through the trees with the greatest of ease, much like modern-day squirrels. Its fossils were found in the Messel pit, preserving even its fur. We know that like a giant squirrel, "Kopidodon" had a thick bushy tail for balance.