Taeniolabis taoensis Cope, 1882
Mammalia
Multituberculata
Cimolodonta
Taenilabidoidea
Taeniolabididae
Paleocene
Nacimiento Fm (Puercan)
New Mexico, US
Length: 1 m
This is the largest known member of the Multituberculates. Remains have been found in New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and Saskatchewan. Taeniolabis had very specialized teeth ideal for a vegetarian diet. It had large gnawing teeth at the front of the jaws that are self-sharpening like the rodent incisors. The molar at the back are large and have a complex grinding surface.
December 31, 2015
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