Lihastes

Lihastes is a genus of small, extinct mammals that lived during the Paleocene epoch, approximately 60 to 55 million years ago. These creatures are notable for their early evolutionary position within the order of primates, making them one of the oldest known ancestors of modern primates, including humans. Fossil remains of Lihastes have been discovered primarily in what is now the western United States, particularly in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming.

Lihastes is characterized by its relatively small size, with estimates suggesting it weighed around 100 to 200 grams, similar to that of a modern squirrel. Its skull and dental structure indicate a diet likely consisting of insects, fruits, and possibly small vertebrates. The genus is distinguished by its primitive features, such as a long snout, small brain case, and teeth adapted for a generalized omnivorous diet. These traits reflect its position as an early offshoot in the evolutionary lineage leading to more derived primates.

Fossil evidence of Lihastes includes partial skulls and jaw fragments, which have been used to reconstruct its anatomy and infer its behavior. The discovery of Lihastes provides valuable insights into the early diversification of primates and the ecological conditions of the Paleocene environment. Its existence helps scientists understand the evolutionary pressures that shaped the development of primate traits, such as increased reliance on vision and manual dexterity.

Lihastes is often studied alongside other early primates like *Plesiadapis* and *Carpolestes* to trace the origins of primate characteristics. While it lacks some advanced features seen in later primates, its fossil record contributes to the broader understanding of mammalian evolution during the transition from the Mesozoic to the Cenozoic eras. Research on Lihastes continues to refine our knowledge of primate ancestry and the evolutionary timeline leading to modern primates.