Hatschbachii

Hatschbachii is a genus of small, extinct mammals that lived during the Eocene epoch, approximately 56 to 34 million years ago. The genus is known from a single species, Hatschbachii nicolai, which was discovered in the Messel Pit, a famous fossil site in Germany. Hatschbachii is notable for its small size, with adults reaching only about 10 centimeters in length, and its unique dental morphology.

The genus is named after the German paleontologist Hans Hatschbach, who first described the species in 1999. The specific epithet, nicolai, honors the German paleontologist Klaus-Dieter Nicolai, who played a significant role in the discovery and study of the species.

Hatschbachii is classified within the order Rodentia, but its exact placement within the order is uncertain. It is often considered a member of the superfamily Mylagauloidea, which includes modern-day rodents such as squirrels and chipmunks. However, some researchers have suggested that Hatschbachii may be more closely related to the extinct family Plesiadapidae, which includes early primates.

The fossil record of Hatschbachii is limited to a single skull and mandible, which provide valuable insights into the evolution of early rodents. The dental morphology of Hatschbachii is unique among rodents, with a combination of features that are not found in any other known species. This has led some researchers to suggest that Hatschbachii may represent a separate evolutionary lineage within the order Rodentia.

Despite its small size and limited fossil record, Hatschbachii is an important fossil for understanding the early evolution of rodents. Its unique dental morphology and uncertain placement within the order Rodentia make it a valuable subject for further study and research.