Mylagauloidea

Mylagauloidea is an extinct superfamily of rodents that lived from the Eocene to the Miocene epochs. These mammals are primarily known from fossils found in North America and Asia. Mylagauloids were characterized by their small to medium size, with many species resembling modern gophers or ground squirrels.

A distinguishing feature of many mylagauloids was the presence of a bony crest on their skull, which likely served as an anchor for powerful jaw muscles. Their teeth were adapted for grinding tough plant material, suggesting a herbivorous diet. Evidence suggests they were burrowing animals, similar to contemporary rodents that excavate extensive tunnel systems.

The superfamily Mylagauloidea includes several families, most notably Mylagaulidae. Within Mylagaulidae, genera such as Mylagaulus and Mesogaulus are well-documented. The fossil record indicates a diversity of forms and adaptations within this group over millions of years. Their extinction likely coincided with climatic and environmental changes occurring during the Miocene, which may have impacted their food sources or favored more adaptable rodent groups. The study of mylagauloids provides valuable insights into the evolutionary history of rodents and the paleoecology of ancient ecosystems.