Tholinos

Tholinos is a genus of small, arboreal mammals belonging to the order Primates, though their exact phylogenetic placement has been a subject of debate. Fossil evidence suggests they were relatively common during the Eocene epoch, with remains found in various locations across North America and Europe. These early primates were characterized by their slender build, long tails, and relatively large eyes, adaptations likely suited for nocturnal activity and navigating forest canopies.

The diet of Tholinos is believed to have been omnivorous, consisting of insects, fruits, and leaves, based on dental morphology and associated paleoenvironmental data. Their small size, typically ranging from that of a squirrel to a small monkey, would have made them prey for a variety of larger predators. Their social structure remains largely unknown, though some researchers hypothesize they lived in small family groups. The extinction of Tholinos is thought to be linked to significant climatic shifts and changes in forest ecosystems during the late Eocene and early Oligocene periods, which may have reduced their food sources and habitat. Further research into their fossil record is ongoing to better understand their evolutionary history and ecological role.