Dbeles

Dbeles is an extinct genus of ancient mammals known from fossil remains found in the Albian stage of the Cretaceous period. The name Dbeles was first introduced by Lehman in 2009 and is derived from the local spelling of the Tunisian word for "ancient rabbits".

The Dbeles genus consists of at least two known species, both of which were small to medium-sized mammals resembling early placental mammals. Fossil evidence suggests that Dbeles had a dental structure consisting of incisors and cheek teeth that were similar in appearance to those of modern-day rodents and shrews. However, more comprehensive studies of the Dbeles dental anatomy indicate that they were likely more similar to early mammals like Morganucodon and Hadrocodium.

Phylogenetic analysis of Dbeles suggests that they were part of the larger mammalian clade of metatherians or therains, which consists of modern marsupials and their extinct relatives. The exact position of Dbeles within this clade is still subject to ongoing research and debate.

Although not as well-known as some other extinct genera, Dbeles holds a significant place in the study of early mammalian evolution. Continued research into the fossil record and molecular phylogenetics may shed more light on the systems of mammalian divergence and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Dbeles genus.