Produced by the Population Genetics and Evolution class, Furman University

The Paleogene: Ptilodus
Ptilodus, a genus of small rodent-like mammals that belonged to the order of Multituberculates, lived during the Paleocene in North America (Jehle 2010). Ptilodus has no modern ancestors, but was thought to be most similar to a modern day squirrel (Weil 1997). They were adapted to live in trees, as they had sharp claws and mobile feet that could be reversed backwards to climb head first, down a tree. Their prehensile tails were hairless and used as a fifth limb (Jehle 2010).
Ptilodus were dominant herbivores and granivores (White and Kazlev 2010). Their teeth are similar to modern day rodents, as they had enlarged front teeth, specifically the pair of lower incisors. Forming large serrated blades in the back of their mouths, their last lower premolars were used to grind up plants and grains. This type of grinding teeth are called plagiaulacoid. The most complete skull of Ptilodus was found in Canada (Jehle 2010).

Page by Julia Bobo
Artists interpretation of Ptilodus, taken from: Paleocene Mammals of the World.

Jehle M. 2010. Paleocene Mammals of the World. Accessed on March 29, 2010.

White T and Kazlev MA. 2010. Mammaliformes, Multituberculates. Accessed on March 29, 2010.

Weil A. 1997. Introduction to Multituberculates. University of California Museum of Paleontology. Accessed on March 29, 2010.