Annosmuodon

Annosmuodon is a genus of extinct mammals that lived during the Late Miocene epoch, approximately 11.6 to 5.3 million years ago. The genus is known from fossil remains found in Europe, particularly in Germany and France. Annosmuodon is characterized by its small size, with adults reaching lengths of about 1.5 meters and weighing around 15 kilograms. It had a robust body, short limbs, and a long, narrow snout, which suggests it was an omnivorous or herbivorous animal.

The genus is named after the type species, Annosmuodon schaubae, which was first described by paleontologist Friedrich von Huene in 1932. The name Annosmuodon is derived from the Latin words "annos," meaning "year," and "muo," meaning "mouse," reflecting the small size and rodent-like appearance of the animal. The specific name schaubae honors the German paleontologist Else Schaub, who discovered the holotype fossil.

Annosmuodon is classified within the family Anourougeidae, which is a group of small, omnivorous mammals that evolved in Europe during the Miocene. The family is characterized by its small size, robust body, and long, narrow snout. Annosmuodon is one of the best-known members of this family, thanks to the abundance of its fossil remains.

Despite its small size and seemingly simple dentition, Annosmuodon is an important fossil for understanding the evolution of European mammals during the Miocene. Its remains provide valuable information about the diet, habitat, and behavior of this ancient animal. Further study of Annosmuodon and other members of the Anourougeidae family will continue to shed light on the diversity and evolution of small mammals in the Miocene.