Heraproteo

Heraproteo is a genus of small, primitive mammals that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 72 million years ago. The genus is known from a single species, Heraproteo californicus, which was discovered in the Hell Creek Formation of North Dakota, USA. Heraproteo is notable for its unique combination of features, including a small body size, a primitive dentition, and a relatively long tail.

The name Heraproteo is derived from the Greek words "hera," meaning "to give birth," and "proteos," meaning "first," reflecting the genus' status as one of the earliest known mammals. Heraproteo was likely an insectivore, feeding on small invertebrates and possibly fruits and seeds.

Heraproteo is considered a member of the order Multituberculata, a group of mammals that are characterized by their complex, multituberculate teeth. Multituberculates are thought to have evolved from early mammals and are known from the Late Cretaceous to the Eocene epochs. Heraproteo is one of the earliest known multituberculates, providing valuable insights into the early evolution of mammals.

The fossil remains of Heraproteo consist of a partial skull, including the dentition, and a few postcranial elements. The skull is relatively small, with a length of about 1.5 centimeters, and the dentition is characterized by its multituberculate pattern. The postcranial elements suggest that Heraproteo was likely a quadrupedal animal, with a long tail for balance and agility.

Heraproteo is an important fossil for understanding the early evolution of mammals. Its primitive features and multituberculate dentition provide valuable insights into the diversity and adaptations of early mammals. Further study of Heraproteo and other multituberculates will continue to shed light on the origins and evolution of mammals.