Jump to content

Repenomamus: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Added information regarding the new intertwined specimen of Repenomamus and Psittacosaurus.
added images
 
(19 intermediate revisions by 16 users not shown)
Line 5: Line 5:
| image_caption = Type of ''R''. ''giganticus'', [[Paleozoological Museum of China]]
| image_caption = Type of ''R''. ''giganticus'', [[Paleozoological Museum of China]]
| taxon = Repenomamus
| taxon = Repenomamus
| authority = Li ''et al.'', 2000
| authority = Li ''et al.'', 2001
| type_species = {{extinct}}'''''Repenomamus robustus'''''
| type_species = {{extinct}}'''''Repenomamus robustus'''''
| type_species_authority = Li ''et al.'', 2001<ref name="Li et al 2001">{{cite journal|title=A new family of primitive mammal from the Mesozoic of western Liaoning, China|journal=Chinese Science Bulletin|date=2001|volume=46|issue=9|pages=782–785|author=Li|doi=10.1007/bf03187223|bibcode=2001ChSBu..46..782L|s2cid=129025369|display-authors=etal}}</ref>
| type_species_authority = Li ''et al.'', 2001<ref name="Li et al 2001">{{cite journal|title=A new family of primitive mammal from the Mesozoic of western Liaoning, China|journal=Chinese Science Bulletin|date=2001|volume=46|issue=9|pages=782–785|author=Li|doi=10.1007/bf03187223|bibcode=2001ChSBu..46..782L|s2cid=129025369|display-authors=etal}}</ref>
| subdivision_ranks = [[Species]]
| subdivision_ranks = [[Species]]
| subdivision = {{extinct}}'''''Repenomamus robustus''''' <small>Li ''et al.'', 2000</small><br>
| subdivision = {{extinct}}'''''Repenomamus robustus''''' <small>Li ''et al.'', 2000</small><br />
{{extinct}}'''''Repenomamus giganticus''''' <small>Hu ''et al.'', 2005</small>
{{extinct}}'''''Repenomamus giganticus''''' <small>Hu ''et al.'', 2005</small>
}}
}}


'''''Repenomamus''''' (Latin: "reptile" (reptilis), "mammal" (mammalis)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://research.amnh.org/paleontology/perissodactyl/concepts/glossary|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120123130/https://research.amnh.org/paleontology/perissodactyl/concepts/glossary|archive-date=20 November 2021|title=Glossary. American Museum of Natural History}}</ref>) is a genus of opossum- to badger-sized [[Gobiconodontidae|gobiconodontid]]<ref name="Montellano2008">{{Cite journal|authors=Marisol Montellano, James A. Hopson, James M. Clark|year=2008|title=Late Early Jurassic Mammaliaforms from Huizachal Canyon, Tamaulipas, México|journal=Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology|volume=28|issue=4|pages=1130–1143 |doi=10.1671/0272-4634-28.4.1130|bibcode=2008JVPal..28.1130M |s2cid=128782275}}</ref> [[mammal]] containing two species, '''''Repenomamus robustus''''' and '''''Repenomamus giganticus'''''. Both species are known from fossils found in [[China]] that date to the early [[Cretaceous]] period, about 125-123.2 million years ago. ''R. robustus'' is one of several Mesozoic mammals{{refn|Other [[eutriconodont]]s and [[Deltatheroida|deltatheroidean]] [[metatheria]]ns have adaptations towards specialised carnivory<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Wilson Gregory P, Riedel Jeremy A | year = 2010 | title = New Specimen Reveals Delta Theroidan Affinities of the North American Late Cretaceous Mammal Nanocuris | journal = Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology | volume = 30 | issue = 3| pages = 872–884 | doi = 10.1080/02724631003762948 | bibcode = 2010JVPal..30..872W | s2cid = 53524747 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = Christian DE MUIZON, Brigitte LANGE-BADRÉ | year = 2007| title = Carnivorous dental adaptations in tribosphenic mammals and phylogenetic reconstruction | journal = Lethaia| volume = 30| issue = 4| pages = 353–366| doi = 10.1111/j.1502-3931.1997.tb00481.x }}</ref><ref name=Ch12Metatherians>{{Cite book| author = [[Zofia Kielan-Jaworowska]], Richard L. Cifelli, Zhe-Xi Luo | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=qJGcX3X0EaMC | title = Mammals from the Age of Dinosaurs: origins, evolution, and structure | publisher = Columbia University Press | location = New York | year = 2004 | pages = 241–243 | chapter = Chapter 12: Metatherians | isbn = 978-0-231-11918-4 }}</ref>}} for which there is good evidence that it fed on vertebrates, including [[dinosaur]]s. Though it is not entirely clear whether or not these animals primarily hunted live dinosaurs or scavenged dead ones, evidence for the former is present in fossilized remains showcasing the results of what was most likely a predation attempt by ''R. robustus'' directed at a specimen of the dinosaur [[Psittacosaurus lujiatunensis|Psittacosaurus]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Han |first=Gang |last2=Mallon |first2=Jordan C. |last3=Lussier |first3=Aaron J. |last4=Wu |first4=Xiao-Chun |last5=Mitchell |first5=Robert |last6=Li |first6=Ling-Ji |date=2023-07-18 |title=An extraordinary fossil captures the struggle for existence during the Mesozoic |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-37545-8 |journal=Scientific Reports |language=en |volume=13 |issue=1 |pages=11221 |doi=10.1038/s41598-023-37545-8 |issn=2045-2322}}</ref> ''R. giganticus'' is among the largest mammals known from the Mesozoic era.
'''''Repenomamus''''' (Latin: "reptile" (reptilis), "mammal" (mammalis)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://research.amnh.org/paleontology/perissodactyl/concepts/glossary|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120123130/https://research.amnh.org/paleontology/perissodactyl/concepts/glossary|archive-date=20 November 2021|title=Glossary. American Museum of Natural History}}</ref>) is a genus of opossum- to badger-sized [[Gobiconodontidae|gobiconodontid]]<ref name="Montellano2008">{{Cite journal|author=Marisol Montellano |author2=James A. Hopson |author3=James M. Clark |year=2008|title=Late Early Jurassic Mammaliaforms from Huizachal Canyon, Tamaulipas, México|journal=Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology|volume=28|issue=4|pages=1130–1143 |doi=10.1671/0272-4634-28.4.1130|bibcode=2008JVPal..28.1130M |s2cid=128782275}}</ref> [[mammal]] containing two species, '''''Repenomamus robustus''''' and '''''Repenomamus giganticus'''''. Both species are known from fossils found in [[China]] that date to the early [[Cretaceous]] period, about 125-123.2 million years ago. ''R. robustus'' is one of several Mesozoic mammals{{refn|Other [[eutriconodont]]s and [[Deltatheroida|deltatheroidean]] [[metatheria]]ns have adaptations towards specialised carnivory<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Wilson Gregory P, Riedel Jeremy A | year = 2010 | title = New Specimen Reveals Delta Theroidan Affinities of the North American Late Cretaceous Mammal Nanocuris | journal = Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology | volume = 30 | issue = 3| pages = 872–884 | doi = 10.1080/02724631003762948 | bibcode = 2010JVPal..30..872W | s2cid = 53524747 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = Christian DE MUIZON, Brigitte LANGE-BADRÉ | year = 2007| title = Carnivorous dental adaptations in tribosphenic mammals and phylogenetic reconstruction | journal = Lethaia| volume = 30| issue = 4| pages = 353–366| doi = 10.1111/j.1502-3931.1997.tb00481.x }}</ref><ref name=Ch12Metatherians>{{Cite book| author = [[Zofia Kielan-Jaworowska]], Richard L. Cifelli, Zhe-Xi Luo | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=qJGcX3X0EaMC | title = Mammals from the Age of Dinosaurs: origins, evolution, and structure | publisher = Columbia University Press | location = New York | year = 2004 | pages = 241–243 | chapter = Chapter 12: Metatherians | isbn = 978-0-231-11918-4 }}</ref>}} for which there is good evidence that it fed on vertebrates, including [[dinosaur]]s. Though it is not entirely clear whether or not these animals primarily hunted live dinosaurs or scavenged dead ones, evidence for the former is present in fossilized remains showcasing the results of what was most likely a predation attempt by ''R. robustus'' directed at a specimen of the dinosaur ''[[Psittacosaurus|Psittacosaurus lujiatunensis]]''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Han |first1=Gang |last2=Mallon |first2=Jordan C. |last3=Lussier |first3=Aaron J. |last4=Wu |first4=Xiao-Chun |last5=Mitchell |first5=Robert |last6=Li |first6=Ling-Ji |date=2023-07-18 |title=An extraordinary fossil captures the struggle for existence during the Mesozoic |journal=Scientific Reports |language=en |volume=13 |issue=1 |page=11221 |doi=10.1038/s41598-023-37545-8 |pmid=37464026 |issn=2045-2322|pmc=10354204 }}</ref> ''R. giganticus'' is among the largest mammals known from the Mesozoic era, only surpassed by ''[[Patagomaia]]''.


== Classification and discovery ==
== Classification and discovery ==
Line 19: Line 19:
The fossils were recovered from the [[Lagerstätten|lagerstätte]] of the [[Yixian Formation]] in the Liaoning province of China, which is renowned for its extraordinarily well-preserved fossils of [[feathered dinosaurs]]. They have been specifically dated to 125–123.2 [[million years ago]], during the [[Early Cretaceous]] period.
The fossils were recovered from the [[Lagerstätten|lagerstätte]] of the [[Yixian Formation]] in the Liaoning province of China, which is renowned for its extraordinarily well-preserved fossils of [[feathered dinosaurs]]. They have been specifically dated to 125–123.2 [[million years ago]], during the [[Early Cretaceous]] period.


''Repenomamus'' is a [[genus]] of [[triconodont]]s, a group of early [[mammal]]s with no modern relatives. ''R. robustus'' was described by Li, Wang, Wang and Li in 2000, and ''R. giganticus'' was described by Hu, Meng, Wang and Li in 2005. The two known [[species]] are the sole members of the family Repenomamidae, which was also described in the same paper in 2000. It is sometimes alternatively listed as a member of the family [[Gobiconodontidae]]; although this assignment is controversial, a close relationship to this family is well-founded.
''Repenomamus'' is a [[genus]] of [[triconodont]]s, a group of early [[mammal]]s with no modern relatives. ''R. robustus'' was described by Li, Wang, Wang and Li in 2001, and ''R. giganticus'' was described by Hu, Meng, Wang and Li in 2005. The two known [[species]] are the sole members of the family Repenomamidae, which was also described in the same paper in 2001. It is sometimes alternatively listed as a member of the family [[Gobiconodontidae]]; although this assignment is controversial, a close relationship to this family is well-founded.


==Description==
==Description==
[[File:Repenomamus robustus skeletal drawing.png|left|thumb|''R. robustus'' skeletal diagram.]]
[[File:Repenomamus giganticus skull.JPG|left|thumb|Fossil skull of ''R. giganticus'']]
[[File:Repenomamus giganticus skull.JPG|left|thumb|Fossil skull of ''R. giganticus'']]
Individuals of the known species in ''Repenomamus'' are [[largest prehistoric animals|the largest]] known [[Mesozoic]] mammals<ref>{{cite book
Individuals of the known species in ''Repenomamus'' are some of [[largest prehistoric animals|the largest]] known [[Mesozoic]] mammals<ref>{{cite book
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=DUli1Mb8j7QC
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=DUli1Mb8j7QC
| title = Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems. Secont edition
| title = Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems. Secont edition
Line 31: Line 32:
| page = 178
| page = 178
| author = Paul Selden, John Nudds
| author = Paul Selden, John Nudds
| isbn = 9780124046290
| isbn = 978-0-12-404629-0
}}</ref><ref name=Ch12Metatherians/><ref name="Prothero">{{cite book
}}</ref><ref name=Ch12Metatherians/><ref name="Prothero">{{cite book
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=tWiYDwAAQBAJ&dq=repenomamus+largest&pg=PA33
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=tWiYDwAAQBAJ&dq=repenomamus+largest&pg=PA33
Line 40: Line 41:
| page = 33
| page = 33
| author = Donald R. Prothero
| author = Donald R. Prothero
| isbn = 9780691156828
| isbn = 978-0-691-15682-8
}}</ref><ref name="Zachos">{{cite book
}}</ref><ref name="Zachos">{{cite book
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=dQd2DwAAQBAJ&dq=repenomamus+largest&pg=PA224
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=dQd2DwAAQBAJ&dq=repenomamus+largest&pg=PA224
Line 49: Line 50:
| page = 224
| page = 224
| author = Frank Zachos, Robert Asher
| author = Frank Zachos, Robert Asher
| isbn = 9783110341553
| isbn = 978-3-11-034155-3
}}</ref><ref>{{cite book
}}</ref><ref>{{cite book
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=3bs0D5ix4VAC&dq=repenomamus+largest&pg=PA62
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=3bs0D5ix4VAC&dq=repenomamus+largest&pg=PA62
Line 58: Line 59:
| page = 62
| page = 62
| author = Kenneth D. Rose
| author = Kenneth D. Rose
| isbn = 9780801884726
| isbn = 978-0-8018-8472-6
}}</ref><ref>{{cite book
}}</ref><ref>{{cite book
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=wuwtxuJoX6IC&dq=repenomamus+largest&pg=PA715
| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=wuwtxuJoX6IC&dq=repenomamus+largest&pg=PA715
Line 67: Line 68:
| page = 115
| page = 115
| author = Zofia Kielan-Jaworowska
| author = Zofia Kielan-Jaworowska
| isbn = 9780253008244
| isbn = 978-0-253-00824-4
}}</ref> represented by reasonably complete fossils<ref name="Prothero"/><ref name="Zachos"/> (though ''[[Kollikodon]]'' may be larger,<ref>Clemens et al., 2003</ref> and ''[[Schowalteria]]'', ''[[Oxlestes]]'', ''[[Khuduklestes]]'' and ''[[Bubodens]]'' reached similar if not larger sizes<ref>{{cite journal | author = Fox R. C., Naylor B. G. | year = 2003 | title = A Late Cretaceous taeniodont (Eutheria, Mammalia) from Alberta, Canada | journal = Neues Jahrbuch für Geologie und Paläontologie | volume = 229 | issue = 3| pages = 393–420 | doi = 10.1127/njgpa/229/2003/393 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = Wilson R. W. | year = 1987 | title = Late Cretaceous (Fox Hills) multituberculates from the Red Owl local fauna of western South Dakota | journal = Dakoterra | volume = 3 | pages = 118–122 }}</ref>). Adults of ''R. robustus'' were the size of a [[Virginia opossum]]. It had body length without tail of {{convert|41.2|cm|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} for complete specimen with estimated skull length of {{convert|10.6|cm|abbr=on|sigfig=2}}, although there is more partial specimen that had {{convert|11.2|cm|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} skull. Estimated mass of ''R. robustus'' is {{convert|4|-|6|kg|abbr=on|sigfig=2}}. The known adult of ''R. giganticus'' was about 50% larger than ''R. robustus'', with a body length of {{convert|68.2|cm|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} and total length over {{convert|1|m|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} (skull reaching {{convert|16|cm|abbr=on|sigfig=2}}, trunk of {{convert|52.2|cm|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} and preserved tail {{convert|36.4|cm|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} in length) and an estimated mass of {{convert|12|-|14|kg|abbr=on|sigfig=2}}.<ref name="Hu et al 2005" /> These finds extend considerably the known body size range of Mesozoic mammals. In fact, ''Repenomamus'' was larger than several small sympatric dromaeosaurid dinosaurs like ''[[Graciliraptor]]''.<ref name="Hu et al 2005">{{cite journal|title=Large Mesozoic mammals fed on young dinosaurs|journal=Nature|date=2005|volume=433|pages=149–152|author=Hu|doi=10.1038/nature03102|pmid=15650737|issue=7022|bibcode=2005Natur.433..149H|s2cid=2306428|url=http://doc.rero.ch/record/15291/files/PAL_E2590.pdf |display-authors=etal}}</ref><ref name="Prothero"/> Features of its shoulder and legs bones indicate a sprawling posture as in most of small to medium sized living [[theria]]n mammals, with [[plantigrade]] feet. Unlike therian mammals, ''Repenomamus'' had a proportionally longer body with shorter limbs.
}}</ref> represented by reasonably complete fossils<ref name="Prothero"/><ref name="Zachos"/> (though ''[[Kollikodon]]'' and ''[[Patagomaia]]'' may be larger,<ref>Clemens et al., 2003</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Chimento |first1=N. R. |last2=Agnolín |first2=F. L. |last3=García-Marsà |first3=J. |last4=Manabe |first4=M. |last5=Tsuihiji |first5=T. |last6=Novas |first6=F. E. |year=2024 |title=A large therian mammal from the Late Cretaceous of South America |journal=Scientific Reports |volume=14 |at=2854 |doi=10.1038/s41598-024-53156-3 |doi-access=free |pmc=10838296 }}</ref> and ''[[Schowalteria]]'', ''[[Oxlestes]]'', ''[[Khuduklestes]]'' and ''[[Bubodens]]'' reached similar if not larger sizes<ref>{{cite journal | author = Fox R. C., Naylor B. G. | year = 2003 | title = A Late Cretaceous taeniodont (Eutheria, Mammalia) from Alberta, Canada | journal = Neues Jahrbuch für Geologie und Paläontologie | volume = 229 | issue = 3| pages = 393–420 | doi = 10.1127/njgpa/229/2003/393 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = Wilson R. W. | year = 1987 | title = Late Cretaceous (Fox Hills) multituberculates from the Red Owl local fauna of western South Dakota | journal = Dakoterra | volume = 3 | pages = 118–122 }}</ref>). Adults of ''R. robustus'' were the size of a [[Virginia opossum]]. It had body length without tail of {{convert|41.2|cm|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} for complete specimen with estimated skull length of {{convert|10.6|cm|abbr=on|sigfig=2}}, although there is more partial specimen that had {{convert|11.2|cm|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} skull. Estimated mass of ''R. robustus'' is {{convert|4|-|6|kg|abbr=on|sigfig=2}}. The known adult of ''R. giganticus'' was about 50% larger than ''R. robustus'', with a body length of {{convert|68.2|cm|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} and total length over {{convert|1|m|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} (skull reaching {{convert|16|cm|abbr=on|sigfig=2}}, trunk of {{convert|52.2|cm|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} and preserved tail {{convert|36.4|cm|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} in length) and an estimated mass of {{convert|12|-|14|kg|abbr=on|sigfig=2}}.<ref name="Hu et al 2005" /> These finds extend considerably the known body size range of Mesozoic mammals. In fact, ''Repenomamus'' was larger than several small sympatric dromaeosaurid dinosaurs like ''[[Graciliraptor]]''.<ref name="Hu et al 2005">{{cite journal|title=Large Mesozoic mammals fed on young dinosaurs|journal=Nature|date=2005|volume=433|pages=149–152|author=Hu|doi=10.1038/nature03102|pmid=15650737|issue=7022|bibcode=2005Natur.433..149H|s2cid=2306428|url=http://doc.rero.ch/record/15291/files/PAL_E2590.pdf |display-authors=etal}}[ Supplementary Information]</ref><ref name="Prothero"/> Features of its shoulder and legs bones indicate a sprawling posture as in most of small to medium sized living [[theria]]n mammals, with [[plantigrade]] feet. Unlike therian mammals, ''Repenomamus'' had a proportionally longer body with shorter limbs.


The [[Dentition|dental formula]] was originally interpreted as {{DentalFormula|upper=3.1.2.4|lower=2.1.2.5}}, though a more recent study indicates instead that it was {{DentalFormula|upper=3.1.1.5|lower=2.1.2.5}}.<ref>Alexey Lopatin, Alexander Averianov, Gobiconodon (Mammalia) from the Early Cretaceous of Mongolia and Revision of Gobiconodontidae, First online: 12 July 2014</ref>
The [[Dentition|dental formula]] was originally interpreted as {{DentalFormula|upper=3.1.2.4|lower=2.1.2.5}}, though a more recent study indicates instead that it was {{DentalFormula|upper=3.1.1.5|lower=2.1.2.5}}.<ref>Alexey Lopatin, Alexander Averianov, Gobiconodon (Mammalia) from the Early Cretaceous of Mongolia and Revision of Gobiconodontidae, First online: 12 July 2014</ref>


==Paleobiology==
==Paleobiology==
[[File:Repenomamus robustus-Paleozoological Museum of China.jpg|alt=|thumb|300x300px|The ''R. robustus'' specimen with ''Psittacosaurus'' remains in its stomach, [[Paleozoological Museum of China]]]]
[[File:Repenomamus robustus-Paleozoological Museum of China.jpg|alt=|thumb|304x304px|''R. robustus'' specimen with ''Psittacosaurus'' remains in its stomach, [[Paleozoological Museum of China]].]]
Features of the teeth and jaw suggest that ''Repenomamus'' were [[carnivore|carnivorous]] and a specimen of ''R. robustus'' discovered with the fragmentary skeleton of a juvenile ''[[Psittacosaurus]]'' preserved in its [[stomach]] represents the second direct evidence that at least some Mesozoic mammals were carnivorous and fed on other vertebrates, including dinosaurs;<ref name="Hu et al 2005"/> a recorded attack on an ''[[Archaeornithoides]]'' by a ''[[Deltatheridium]]'' predates its description.<ref>{{cite journal | doi = 10.2475/ajs.293.A.235 | url = http://earth.geology.yale.edu/~ajs/1993/11.1993.08Elzanowski.pdf | title = Skull of Archaeornithoides from the Upper Cretaceous of Mongolia | year = 1993 | last1 = Elzanowski | first1 = A. | last2 = Wellnhofer | first2 = P. | journal = American Journal of Science | volume = 293 | pages = 235–252 | bibcode = 1993AmJS..293..235E }}</ref> More evidence suggesting Repenomamus was suited to a predatory lifestyle was later revealed when a specimen of R. robustus was uncovered alongside an adult ''[[Psittacosaurus]]''. The intertwined nature of the fossil was likely a byproduct of an altercation between the two animals in which the mammal was most likely the instigator of an ongoing predation attempt. This was posited on the basis that the Repenomamus involved was noted to have been latching on to the Psittacosaurus with its arms and legs while biting the Dinosaur.<ref name=":0" /> Speciations towards carnivory are known in [[eutriconodonts]] as a whole, and similarly large sized species like ''[[Gobiconodon]]'', ''[[Jugulator (mammal)|Jugulator]]'' and even ''[[Triconodon]]'' itself<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.britannica.com/animal/Triconodon |title = Triconodon &#124; fossil mammal genus}}</ref> are thought to have tackled proportionally large prey as well; evidence of scavenging is even assigned to the former.<ref name=Ch12Metatherians/>
Features of the teeth and jaw suggest that ''Repenomamus'' were [[carnivore|carnivorous]] and a specimen of ''R. robustus'' discovered with the fragmentary skeleton of a juvenile ''[[Psittacosaurus]]'' preserved in its [[stomach]] represents the second direct evidence that at least some Mesozoic mammals were carnivorous and fed on other vertebrates, including dinosaurs;<ref name="Hu et al 2005"/> a recorded attack on an ''[[Archaeornithoides]]'' by a ''[[Deltatheridium]]'' predates its description.<ref>{{cite journal | doi = 10.2475/ajs.293.A.235 | url = http://earth.geology.yale.edu/~ajs/1993/11.1993.08Elzanowski.pdf | title = Skull of Archaeornithoides from the Upper Cretaceous of Mongolia | year = 1993 | last1 = Elzanowski | first1 = A. | last2 = Wellnhofer | first2 = P. | journal = American Journal of Science | volume = 293 | pages = 235–252 | bibcode = 1993AmJS..293..235E }}</ref> More evidence suggesting ''Repenomamus'' was suited to a predatory lifestyle was later revealed when a specimen of ''R. robustus'' was uncovered alongside an adult ''[[Psittacosaurus]]''. The intertwined nature of the fossil, similar to the [[Fighting Dinosaurs]] fossil of Mongolia, was likely a byproduct of an altercation between the two animals in which the mammal was most likely the instigator of an ongoing predation attempt. This was posited on the basis that the ''Repenomamus'' involved was noted to have been latching on to the ''Psittacosaurus'' with its arms and legs while biting the dinosaur.<ref name=":0" /> Speciations towards carnivory are known in [[eutriconodonts]] as a whole, and similarly large sized species like ''[[Gobiconodon]]'', ''[[Jugulator (mammal)|Jugulator]]'' and even ''[[Triconodon]]'' itself<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.britannica.com/animal/Triconodon |title = Triconodon &#124; fossil mammal genus}}</ref> are thought to have tackled proportionally large prey as well; evidence of scavenging is even assigned to the former.<ref name=Ch12Metatherians/>


Like most other non-[[placental]] mammals, ''Repenomamus'' had [[epipubic bone]]s, implying that it gave birth to undeveloped young, or laid eggs like modern [[marsupials]] and [[monotremes]].<ref name="Hu et al 2005"/>
Like most other non-[[placental]] mammals, ''Repenomamus'' had [[epipubic bone]]s, implying that it gave birth to undeveloped young like modern [[marsupials]], or laid eggs like modern [[monotremes]].<ref name="Hu et al 2005"/>

{{Multiple image
| image1 = Psittacosaurus lujiatunensis-Repenomamus robustus pair (WZSSM VF000011) locked in mortal combat.webp
| image2 = Psittacosaurus and Repenomamus life restoration - Han et al 2023.png
| footer = ''R. robustus'', locked in combat with ''Psittacosaurus lujiatunensis''.
| total_width = 700
| align = center
}}


==See also==
==See also==
Line 96: Line 105:


[[Category:Cretaceous mammals]]
[[Category:Cretaceous mammals]]
[[Category:Eutriconodonts]]
[[Category:Gobiconodontids]]
[[Category:Early Cretaceous mammals of Asia]]
[[Category:Early Cretaceous mammals of Asia]]
[[Category:Fossil taxa described in 2000]]
[[Category:Fossil taxa described in 2000]]

Latest revision as of 02:50, 6 July 2024

Repenomamus
Temporal range: Early Cretaceous, 125–123.2 Ma
↓
Type of R. giganticus, Paleozoological Museum of China
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: †Eutriconodonta (?)
Family: †Gobiconodontidae
Genus: †Repenomamus
Li et al., 2001
Type species
†Repenomamus robustus
Li et al., 2001[1]
Species

†Repenomamus robustus Li et al., 2000
†Repenomamus giganticus Hu et al., 2005

Repenomamus (Latin: "reptile" (reptilis), "mammal" (mammalis)[2]) is a genus of opossum- to badger-sized gobiconodontid[3] mammal containing two species, Repenomamus robustus and Repenomamus giganticus. Both species are known from fossils found in China that date to the early Cretaceous period, about 125-123.2 million years ago. R. robustus is one of several Mesozoic mammals[7] for which there is good evidence that it fed on vertebrates, including dinosaurs. Though it is not entirely clear whether or not these animals primarily hunted live dinosaurs or scavenged dead ones, evidence for the former is present in fossilized remains showcasing the results of what was most likely a predation attempt by R. robustus directed at a specimen of the dinosaur Psittacosaurus lujiatunensis.[8] R. giganticus is among the largest mammals known from the Mesozoic era, only surpassed by Patagomaia.

Classification and discovery

[edit]
An R. robustus feeding on a Psittacosaurus hatchling.

The fossils were recovered from the lagerstätte of the Yixian Formation in the Liaoning province of China, which is renowned for its extraordinarily well-preserved fossils of feathered dinosaurs. They have been specifically dated to 125–123.2 million years ago, during the Early Cretaceous period.

Repenomamus is a genus of triconodonts, a group of early mammals with no modern relatives. R. robustus was described by Li, Wang, Wang and Li in 2001, and R. giganticus was described by Hu, Meng, Wang and Li in 2005. The two known species are the sole members of the family Repenomamidae, which was also described in the same paper in 2001. It is sometimes alternatively listed as a member of the family Gobiconodontidae; although this assignment is controversial, a close relationship to this family is well-founded.

Description

[edit]
R. robustus skeletal diagram.
Fossil skull of R. giganticus

Individuals of the known species in Repenomamus are some of the largest known Mesozoic mammals[9][6][10][11][12][13] represented by reasonably complete fossils[10][11] (though Kollikodon and Patagomaia may be larger,[14][15] and Schowalteria, Oxlestes, Khuduklestes and Bubodens reached similar if not larger sizes[16][17]). Adults of R. robustus were the size of a Virginia opossum. It had body length without tail of 41.2 cm (16 in) for complete specimen with estimated skull length of 10.6 cm (4.2 in), although there is more partial specimen that had 11.2 cm (4.4 in) skull. Estimated mass of R. robustus is 4–6 kg (8.8–13 lb). The known adult of R. giganticus was about 50% larger than R. robustus, with a body length of 68.2 cm (27 in) and total length over 1 m (3 ft 3 in) (skull reaching 16 cm (6.3 in), trunk of 52.2 cm (21 in) and preserved tail 36.4 cm (14 in) in length) and an estimated mass of 12–14 kg (26–31 lb).[18] These finds extend considerably the known body size range of Mesozoic mammals. In fact, Repenomamus was larger than several small sympatric dromaeosaurid dinosaurs like Graciliraptor.[18][10] Features of its shoulder and legs bones indicate a sprawling posture as in most of small to medium sized living therian mammals, with plantigrade feet. Unlike therian mammals, Repenomamus had a proportionally longer body with shorter limbs.

The dental formula was originally interpreted as 3.1.2.42.1.2.5, though a more recent study indicates instead that it was 3.1.1.52.1.2.5.[19]

Paleobiology

[edit]
R. robustus specimen with Psittacosaurus remains in its stomach, Paleozoological Museum of China.

Features of the teeth and jaw suggest that Repenomamus were carnivorous and a specimen of R. robustus discovered with the fragmentary skeleton of a juvenile Psittacosaurus preserved in its stomach represents the second direct evidence that at least some Mesozoic mammals were carnivorous and fed on other vertebrates, including dinosaurs;[18] a recorded attack on an Archaeornithoides by a Deltatheridium predates its description.[20] More evidence suggesting Repenomamus was suited to a predatory lifestyle was later revealed when a specimen of R. robustus was uncovered alongside an adult Psittacosaurus. The intertwined nature of the fossil, similar to the Fighting Dinosaurs fossil of Mongolia, was likely a byproduct of an altercation between the two animals in which the mammal was most likely the instigator of an ongoing predation attempt. This was posited on the basis that the Repenomamus involved was noted to have been latching on to the Psittacosaurus with its arms and legs while biting the dinosaur.[8] Speciations towards carnivory are known in eutriconodonts as a whole, and similarly large sized species like Gobiconodon, Jugulator and even Triconodon itself[21] are thought to have tackled proportionally large prey as well; evidence of scavenging is even assigned to the former.[6]

Like most other non-placental mammals, Repenomamus had epipubic bones, implying that it gave birth to undeveloped young like modern marsupials, or laid eggs like modern monotremes.[18]

R. robustus, locked in combat with Psittacosaurus lujiatunensis.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Li; et al. (2001). "A new family of primitive mammal from the Mesozoic of western Liaoning, China". Chinese Science Bulletin. 46 (9): 782–785. Bibcode:2001ChSBu..46..782L. doi:10.1007/bf03187223. S2CID 129025369.
  2. ^ "Glossary. American Museum of Natural History". Archived from the original on 20 November 2021.
  3. ^ Marisol Montellano; James A. Hopson; James M. Clark (2008). "Late Early Jurassic Mammaliaforms from Huizachal Canyon, Tamaulipas, México". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 28 (4): 1130–1143. Bibcode:2008JVPal..28.1130M. doi:10.1671/0272-4634-28.4.1130. S2CID 128782275.
  4. ^ Wilson Gregory P, Riedel Jeremy A (2010). "New Specimen Reveals Delta Theroidan Affinities of the North American Late Cretaceous Mammal Nanocuris". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 30 (3): 872–884. Bibcode:2010JVPal..30..872W. doi:10.1080/02724631003762948. S2CID 53524747.
  5. ^ Christian DE MUIZON, Brigitte LANGE-BADRÉ (2007). "Carnivorous dental adaptations in tribosphenic mammals and phylogenetic reconstruction". Lethaia. 30 (4): 353–366. doi:10.1111/j.1502-3931.1997.tb00481.x.
  6. ^ a b c Zofia Kielan-Jaworowska, Richard L. Cifelli, Zhe-Xi Luo (2004). "Chapter 12: Metatherians". Mammals from the Age of Dinosaurs: origins, evolution, and structure. New York: Columbia University Press. pp. 241–243. ISBN 978-0-231-11918-4.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ Other eutriconodonts and deltatheroidean metatherians have adaptations towards specialised carnivory[4][5][6]
  8. ^ a b Han, Gang; Mallon, Jordan C.; Lussier, Aaron J.; Wu, Xiao-Chun; Mitchell, Robert; Li, Ling-Ji (2023-07-18). "An extraordinary fossil captures the struggle for existence during the Mesozoic". Scientific Reports. 13 (1): 11221. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-37545-8. ISSN 2045-2322. PMC 10354204. PMID 37464026.
  9. ^ Paul Selden, John Nudds (Sep 19, 2012). Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems. Secont edition. Academic Press. p. 178. ISBN 978-0-12-404629-0. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  10. ^ a b c Donald R. Prothero (November 15, 2016). The Princeton Field Guide to Prehistoric Mammals. Princeton University Press. p. 33. ISBN 978-0-691-15682-8. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  11. ^ a b Frank Zachos, Robert Asher (October 22, 2018). Mammalian Evolution, Diversity and Systematics. De Gruyter. p. 224. ISBN 978-3-11-034155-3. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  12. ^ Kenneth D. Rose (2006). The Beginning of the Age of Mammals. Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 62. ISBN 978-0-8018-8472-6. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  13. ^ Zofia Kielan-Jaworowska (2013). In Pursuit of Early Mammals. Indiana University Press. p. 115. ISBN 978-0-253-00824-4. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  14. ^ Clemens et al., 2003
  15. ^ Chimento, N. R.; Agnolín, F. L.; García-Marsà, J.; Manabe, M.; Tsuihiji, T.; Novas, F. E. (2024). "A large therian mammal from the Late Cretaceous of South America". Scientific Reports. 14. 2854. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-53156-3. PMC 10838296.
  16. ^ Fox R. C., Naylor B. G. (2003). "A Late Cretaceous taeniodont (Eutheria, Mammalia) from Alberta, Canada". Neues Jahrbuch für Geologie und Paläontologie. 229 (3): 393–420. doi:10.1127/njgpa/229/2003/393.
  17. ^ Wilson R. W. (1987). "Late Cretaceous (Fox Hills) multituberculates from the Red Owl local fauna of western South Dakota". Dakoterra. 3: 118–122.
  18. ^ a b c d Hu; et al. (2005). "Large Mesozoic mammals fed on young dinosaurs" (PDF). Nature. 433 (7022): 149–152. Bibcode:2005Natur.433..149H. doi:10.1038/nature03102. PMID 15650737. S2CID 2306428.[ Supplementary Information]
  19. ^ Alexey Lopatin, Alexander Averianov, Gobiconodon (Mammalia) from the Early Cretaceous of Mongolia and Revision of Gobiconodontidae, First online: 12 July 2014
  20. ^ Elzanowski, A.; Wellnhofer, P. (1993). "Skull of Archaeornithoides from the Upper Cretaceous of Mongolia" (PDF). American Journal of Science. 293: 235–252. Bibcode:1993AmJS..293..235E. doi:10.2475/ajs.293.A.235.
  21. ^ "Triconodon | fossil mammal genus".
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Repenomamus&oldid=1232877823"