Trechnotherium

Trechnotherium is an extinct genus of small, arboreal mammals that lived during the Paleocene epoch, approximately 66 to 56 million years ago. Fossil remains have been found primarily in North America. These early mammals are believed to have been insectivorous or possibly omnivorous, subsisting on insects, seeds, and fruits. Their arboreal lifestyle suggests adaptations for climbing, such as grasping hands and feet, and likely a relatively long tail for balance.

The classification of Trechnotherium has been a subject of ongoing scientific discussion. It is generally placed within the order Lipotyphla, which includes modern hedgehogs and shrews, or sometimes within a broader group of early placental mammals. The exact phylogenetic relationships are not fully resolved due to the limited and often fragmentary nature of the fossil record. Trechnotherium represents an early diversification of mammals in the post-dinosaur era, contributing to our understanding of mammalian evolution during this critical period.