edaspidistes

Edaspidistes, also known as the Edaspididae, are a family of small, primitive mammals that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 99 to 66 million years ago. They are one of the earliest known groups of mammals and are characterized by their small size, simple dentition, and the presence of a single pair of upper incisors. The name "Edaspidistes" comes from the Greek words "edaspis," meaning "shield," and "stis," meaning "standing," referring to the shape of their skull.

Edaspidistes are believed to have been insectivorous, feeding on small insects and other invertebrates. Their small size and simple dentition suggest that they were well-adapted to a diet of soft-bodied prey. The family Edaspididae includes several genera, with the most well-known being Edaspidistes itself, as well as Erythrotherium and Erythrotherium. Fossils of edaspidistes have been found in North America, Europe, and Asia, indicating that they were widely distributed during the Late Cretaceous.

The discovery of edaspidistes has provided valuable insights into the early evolution of mammals. Their primitive features, such as their simple dentition and small size, suggest that they were among the earliest mammals to emerge after the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs. The study of edaspidistes and other early mammals continues to be an active area of research in paleontology, as scientists seek to understand the origins and early evolution of the mammalian lineage.