Carpolestes simpsoni

Carpolestes simpsoni
Temporal range: late Paleocene, 58.7–56.8 Ma
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Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Plesiadapiformes
Family: †Carpolestidae
Genus: †Carpolestes
Species:
†C. simpsoni
Binomial name
†Carpolestes simpsoni
Bloch and Gingerich, 1998

Carpolestes simpsoni is an extinct species of Plesiadapiforms, late species of Carpolestes which is one of the earliest primate-like mammals appearing in the fossil record during the late Paleocene. C. simpsoni had grasping digits but no forward-facing eyes.

Weighing about 100 g (3.5 oz), C. simpsoni appeared adapted for an arboreal habitat. One large, nail-tipped toe opposed other toes, allowing a firm grip on branches. Like other species of Carpolestes, the dental morphology of C. simpsoni is specially adapted to eating fruit, seeds, and invertebrates.[1]

References

  1. ^ Biknevicius, A.R. (1983). "Dental function and diet in the Carpolestidae (Primates, Plesiadapiformes)". American Journal of Physical Anthropology. 71 (2): 157–171. doi:10.1002/ajpa.1330710204. PMID 3799823.


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