Carpolestes

Carpolestes is an extinct genus of plesiadapiform, a group of mammals that lived during the Paleocene epoch. These early mammals are considered by many paleontologists to be among the earliest relatives of primates, though their exact phylogenetic placement is still debated. Carpolestes fossils have been found in North America, particularly in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming. The genus contains several species, with Carpolestes sideways being the most well-known.

These animals were relatively small, with estimated body masses similar to that of a modern squirrel. Their dentition suggests an omnivorous diet, likely consisting of fruits, seeds, and possibly insects. A notable feature of Carpolestes, and many other plesiadapiforms, is the presence of a large, procumbent (forward-projecting) incisor, which may have been used for gnawing or stripping bark. Unlike true primates, Carpolestes lacked a fully grasping hand and foot, and they did not possess stereoscopic vision. Their limbs were adapted for arboreal locomotion, suggesting they lived in trees. The discovery of Carpolestes fossils has provided valuable insights into the early evolution of mammals and the diversification of life following the extinction of the dinosaurs.