Sidokusensis

Sidokusensis is a genus of small, extinct mammals that lived during the late Miocene epoch, approximately 10 million years ago. The genus is known from a single species, Sidokusensis kochi, which was discovered in the Siwalik Hills of Pakistan. Sidokusensis is notable for its unique combination of features, including a small body size, a long, slender snout, and a set of molar teeth that are adapted for grinding tough plant material.

The fossil remains of Sidokusensis consist of a nearly complete skull and some postcranial elements. The skull is relatively small, with a length of about 3.5 centimeters, and is characterized by a long, narrow rostrum and a set of molar teeth that are adapted for grinding tough plant material. The postcranial elements include a partial skeleton that suggests a small, agile body with a long tail.

Sidokusensis is classified within the order Rodentia, but its exact placement within the order is uncertain. Some researchers have suggested that Sidokusensis may be a member of the family Muridae, which includes modern rodents such as mice and rats. However, the unique features of Sidokusensis' skull and teeth suggest that it may represent a distinct lineage of rodents that is not closely related to any living species.

Despite its small size and relatively short evolutionary history, Sidokusensis is an important fossil for understanding the evolution of rodents. Its unique combination of features suggests that it may have occupied a niche that is not currently filled by any living species, and its discovery provides valuable insights into the diversity of rodent evolution during the Miocene epoch.