meniscotheres

Meniscotheres were a group of extinct mammals that lived during the Paleocene and Eocene epochs. Their fossil remains are found primarily in North America. The name "meniscothere" refers to a distinctive crescent-shaped molar tooth structure, a characteristic feature of this group.

These animals are generally considered to be early ungulates, or hoofed mammals, though their exact phylogenetic placement has been a subject of debate among paleontologists. They share some primitive traits with early artiodactyls (even-toed ungulates) and possibly perissodactyls (odd-toed ungulates). The meniscotheres represent a transitional stage in the evolution of hoofed mammals, showcasing early adaptations for herbivory.

Fossil evidence suggests that meniscotheres were relatively small to medium-sized mammals. Their diets likely consisted of vegetation, supported by their specialized molar teeth designed for grinding plant material. The environment in which they lived was varied, ranging from forests to more open woodlands, typical of the early Cenozoic era.

The meniscothere lineage eventually died out, likely due to competition with other evolving mammal groups or significant environmental changes. Their fossils provide valuable insights into the diversification of mammals following the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs and the early evolution of key mammalian groups.