Probathyopsis
Extinct genus of dinocerate
Probathyopsis, from Ancient Greek πρό (pró), meaning "before", βαθύς (bathús), meaning "thick", and ὄψις (ópsis), meaning "face", is an extinct genus of dinocerate mammal from Paleocene North America.
01Description
Probathyopsis is incredibly basal compared to the later dinocerates in terms of anatomical characteristics. The genus lacks the characteristic skull knobs, unlike derived dinocerates. The flange on the mandible is also less developed as in later members of the clade, like Uintatherium. The lower molars are also longer and narrower than in later members of the group. The genus was sexually dimorphic, with males being larger and having larger mandibular flanges.
02Classification
The classification history of Probathyopsis is convoluted. It has been suggested at times to be a synonym of Prodinoceras, though there is debate to this as many authors still recognize the genus as valid. Currently the genus is believed to be among the most basal of all dinocerates and is grouped closely with Prodinoceras, in the family Prodinoceratidae.
Sources and credits
This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article “Probathyopsis”, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.
Images, from Wikimedia Commons:
- Bulletin (1961) (19798000414).jpg by Peabody Museum of Natural History, No restrictions
Fathomly is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Wikimedia Foundation. Spotted a problem? Tell us.