Multituberculata

Multituberculata is an extinct order of mammals that lived during the Mesozoic era, from the Late Triassic to the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 230 to 66 million years ago. They are characterized by their unique dental structure, with multiple small, conical teeth in each jaw quadrant, hence the name "multituberculata," which translates to "many tubercles" in Latin. This dental pattern is distinct from that of other mammals and is believed to have been an adaptation for specialized feeding habits.

Multituberculates are believed to have been small to medium-sized animals, with some species reaching lengths of up to 30 centimeters. They are known from fossils found in various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The order is divided into several families, with the most well-known being the Taeniolabididae, which includes the genus Taeniolabis, one of the most common multituberculates.

The evolutionary history of multituberculates is still a subject of ongoing research. Some scientists propose that they are closely related to the ancestors of modern mammals, while others suggest that they represent a separate evolutionary line. Regardless of their exact evolutionary position, multituberculates played a significant role in the Mesozoic mammal fauna and provide valuable insights into the early evolution of mammals.