Pantolodonts

Pantolodonts are a group of extinct mammals that lived during the Paleogene period, approximately 66 to 34 million years ago. They are known for their distinctive, molar-like teeth that were adapted for crushing and grinding plant material. Pantolodonts are believed to have been herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plants, including leaves, fruits, and seeds.

The name "pantolodont" comes from the Greek words "pantolos," meaning "all teeth," and "odont," meaning "tooth." This refers to the fact that pantolodonts had teeth that were similar in shape and function to their molars, unlike many other mammals that have specialized teeth for different types of food.

Pantolodonts are classified in the order Pantolesta, which is a sister group to the order Rodentia. They are known from fossils found in North America, Europe, and Asia. The most well-known pantolodont is the "pantolestid," which is characterized by its large, molar-like teeth and robust body.

Pantolodonts are an important group of mammals because they provide insight into the evolution of mammalian dentition and diet. Their molar-like teeth suggest that they may have been more specialized in their diet than other early mammals, which had a more generalized set of teeth. This has implications for our understanding of the evolution of herbivory in mammals.