Viverrimorph

Viverrimorph is a taxonomic grouping within the order Carnivora. It is an extinct superfamily that comprises the civets and their relatives, along with extinct lineages. The group is characterized by certain anatomical features, particularly in the skull and teeth, that distinguish them from other carnivoran families. Viverrimorphs first appeared in the Eocene epoch and diversified significantly during the Oligocene and Miocene.

This superfamily is divided into several families, including Viverridae, which is the extant family of civets and genets. Other extinct families are also included within Viverrimorphia, reflecting a broader evolutionary history. Fossil evidence indicates a wide geographic distribution for ancient viverrimorphs across Eurasia and Africa. Their diets varied, with some being primarily carnivorous, while others were more omnivorous, consuming fruits and insects. The study of viverrimorph fossils provides insights into the evolutionary pathways and paleoecology of carnivoran mammals. Their modern descendants, the civets and genets, are known for their arboreal or semi-arboreal lifestyles and their diverse habitats, ranging from rainforests to savannas. The classification of viverrimorphs has been subject to ongoing research and revision based on new fossil discoveries and molecular phylogenetic studies.