Kateutenae

Kateutenae is a proposed extinct genus of marsupial mammal that lived during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now Australia. The name "Kateutenae" is derived from the Aboriginal word "kateutena," meaning "big teeth." The genus is known from fossilized teeth and jaw fragments discovered in the Winton Formation of Queensland, Australia.

These fossils suggest that Kateutenae was a relatively large marsupial for its time, possibly comparable in size to modern wombats or small kangaroos. Its teeth indicate a herbivorous or omnivorous diet, likely consisting of tough plant material. The discovery of Kateutenae is significant because it provides evidence of early marsupial diversity in Australia during a period when dinosaurs were still dominant.

The exact phylogenetic placement of Kateutenae within the marsupial lineage is still debated among paleontologists. However, it is generally considered to be a member of the Australidelphia, the group that includes most modern Australian marsupials. The fossil record of marsupials from the Cretaceous period in Australia is sparse, making each new discovery, like that of Kateutenae, crucial for understanding the evolutionary history of this unique fauna. Further research and discovery of more complete fossil remains are needed to fully understand the anatomy, lifestyle, and evolutionary relationships of Kateutenae.