cytokinesuch

Cytokinesuch is a genus of extinct cynodonts, a group of synapsids that includes mammals. The genus is known from a single species, Cytokinesuch wenzhouensis, which lived during the Early Permian period, around 299-295 million years ago. The fossils of Cytokinesuch have been found in the Wenzhou area of Zhejiang Province, China.

Cytokinesuch is notable for its unique combination of features. It has a long, narrow skull with a distinctive rostrum, or snout, which is characteristic of cynodonts. The teeth of Cytokinesuch are also distinctive, with a unique pattern of wear that suggests a specialized diet. The postcranial skeleton of Cytokinesuch is less well-preserved, but it appears to have been adapted for a semi-aquatic lifestyle, with features such as a long tail and a reduced number of toes.

The exact relationship of Cytokinesuch to other cynodonts is uncertain, but it is generally considered to be a basal member of the group, meaning that it is one of the earliest known cynodonts. This makes Cytokinesuch an important fossil for understanding the evolution of mammals and their ancestors. Despite its unique features, Cytokinesuch is not considered to be a direct ancestor of mammals, but rather a sister group to the lineage that led to the evolution of mammals.