Microscleromys Walton 1990 (caviomorph)

Mammalia - Rodentia - Dasyproctidae

Small mesodont rodent with three oblique sigmoidal crests on molars, describing an S. Cuspate when unworn. Metalophule/metalophulid developements variable; three or four crests on p4. Variation in loph or cusp development common, specially along anteroposterior midline. Lophs on labial side of upper and lingual side of lowers barely separated, merge into continuos wall with wear. Enamel relatively thik. Reentrants remain wide with wear. M3 small.

Etymology: In reference to its small size and general resemblance to the Santacrucian genus Scleromys Ameghino 1887

Full reference: A. H. Walton. 1990. Rodents of the La Venta Fauna, Miocene, Colombia: Biostratigraphy and Paleoenvironmentl implications. Southern Methodist University 1-147

Parent taxon: Dasyproctidae according to A. H. Walton 1990

Sister taxa: Alloiomys, Australoprocta, Dasyprocta, Mesoprocta, Myoprocta

Subtaxa: Microscleromys cribriphilus Microscleromys paradoxalis

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Ecology: ground dwelling herbivore

Distribution:

• Miocene of Colombia (5 collections), Peru (1)

Total: 6 collections including 12 occurrences

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Specimen images are retrieved through the ePANDDA API.


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