inducida

Inducida is a genus of extinct, carnivorous monotremes that lived during the middle to late Cretaceous period, around 100 to 80 million years ago. Fossil evidence of Inducida has been found in Australia and New Zealand.

The genus is characterized by its large size, with some species estimated to have weighed around 500 kilograms. Inducida had a robust build and a long, narrow body, with a flat, broad tail. It has been suggested that Inducida was one of the largest known monotremes to have existed.

The dental structure of Inducida suggests that it was a carnivore, with a combination of cutting and grinding teeth. This is similar to other known monotreme carnivores, such as the platypus and echidnas.

Phylogenetic analysis has shown that Inducida is related to other extinct and living monotremes, including Steropodontidae. The family Steropodontidae is often considered to be the most primitive of the monotreme lineages, and Inducida is thought to be one of the most ancient members of this group.

The discovery of Inducida fossils has provided significant insights into the evolution and diversity of monotremes during the Cretaceous period. However, much remains to be learned about this fascinating group of animals, and further research is needed to fully understand their biology and ecological role.