Ondatrini

Ondatrini is a genus of extinct rodents that lived during the Oligocene epoch. These animals are known from fossil remains found in North America. Ondatrini are considered to be early relatives of modern muskrats and voles, belonging to the subfamily Ondatrinae within the rodent family Cricetidae.

The fossil record suggests that Ondatrini were semi-aquatic or aquatic, similar to their modern descendants. Their dentition indicates a diet consisting primarily of plant material, likely including aquatic vegetation. The skeletal structure of Ondatrini, as inferred from fossils, suggests adaptations for swimming, such as a streamlined body and possibly webbed feet.

The evolutionary significance of Ondatrini lies in their position as ancestral forms to more derived arvicoline rodents. Studying these fossils helps paleontologists understand the diversification of rodents and the development of ecological niches, particularly those associated with freshwater environments. The genus Ondatrini itself is relatively small, with only a few recognized species, primarily distinguished by subtle differences in tooth morphology and jaw structure. Their presence in Oligocene deposits provides insights into the ecosystems of that period.