Ammutames

Ammutames is a genus of small, extinct mammals that lived during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 72 to 66 million years ago. They are known from fossils found in North America and Europe. Ammutames is characterized by its small size, typically measuring around 10 centimeters in length, and its unique dental structure. The genus includes two species: Ammutames minutus and Ammutames minor.

Ammutames is notable for its primitive features, such as the presence of a single upper incisor and a reduced number of lower molars. This suggests that it may have been an early member of the order Rodentia, which includes modern rodents like mice and rats. However, its exact evolutionary position remains a topic of ongoing research.

The fossils of Ammutames are typically found in sedimentary rocks, indicating that these animals likely inhabited environments with abundant water sources. This is supported by the presence of fossilized plant material in the same deposits, suggesting that Ammutames may have been semi-aquatic or at least associated with wet habitats.

Despite their small size, Ammutames is an important fossil for understanding the early evolution of rodents. Its discovery has provided valuable insights into the diversity and adaptations of early mammals, and continues to contribute to our understanding of the evolutionary history of the Rodentia.