Rangeides

Rangeides are a group of prehistoric mammals that lived during the Paleocene epoch, approximately 66 to 56 million years ago. They are considered to be among the earliest known placental mammals, representing a significant branch in the evolutionary tree of mammals. The fossil record of rangeides is primarily found in North America, with some evidence suggesting their presence in other parts of the world.

These early mammals were generally small, with shrew-like or rodent-like appearances. Their diet likely consisted of insects, seeds, and possibly small invertebrates. The exact phylogenetic relationships of rangeides are still a subject of scientific debate, but they are often placed within the superorder Laurasiatheria, a diverse group that includes many modern mammals such as carnivorans, ungulates, and bats.

The discovery and study of rangeides are crucial for understanding the diversification of mammals following the extinction event that wiped out the non-avian dinosaurs. Their existence provides insights into the ecological niches that mammals began to occupy in the post-dinosaur world. While the group itself is extinct, their evolutionary legacy continues through the lineages of many modern placental mammals.