Hapalodectes

Taxobox
name = Hapalodectes
fossil_range = Late Paleocene - Early Eocene


image_caption = "Hapalodectes serus"
image_width = 280px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Mammalia
ordo = Mesonychia
familia = Hapalodectidae
genus = "Hapalodectes"
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision =
*"H. anthracinus"
*"H. hetangensis"
*"H. dux"
*"H. leptognathus"
*"H. lovei"
*"H. serus"

"Hapalodectes" (literally "Soft Biter" "hapalos" = "soft, tender," "dêktês" = "biter") was a genus of otter-like mesonychid from the Late Paleocene to Early Eocene some 55 milion years ago. Although the first fossils were found in Eocene strata of Wyoming, the genus originated in Mongolia, as the oldest species is "H. dux", was found in Late Paleocene strata in the Naran Bulak Formation [ [http://www.maik.ru/abstract/paleng/1/paleng4_1p426abs.htm] The Earliest "Hapalodectes" (Mesonychia, Mammalia) from the Paleocene of Mongolia.] The genus is suggested to be related to the Archaeoceti, such as "Pakicetus", due to extreme similarities between the two genera's skull and teeth anatomies.

References