“U” is for Uintacyon

“U” is for Uintacyon

Uintacyon was a carnivore, a member of a group of mammals called the miacids. These mammals were probably superficially weasel-like.

A specimen of Uintacyon juglans from the National Museum of Natural History. This specimen was stolen in 2006. If you see it somewhere other than the NMNH, you need to click through and contact the museum.

Like most Paleocene mammals, much of what is known about Uintacyon is known only from its teeth. What’s really cool is that you can look at some three dimensional images of Uintacyon teeth here. Here’s some examples:

An upper molar of Uintacyon
A lower molar of Uintacyon

Part of the Blogging from A to Z challenge.

For 4-24-13

Unknown's avatar

Published by paleololigo

Scientist (Paleontology, Geochemistry, Geology); Writer (Speculative and Science Fiction, plus technical and non-technical Science); Mom to great boy on the Autism spectrum; possessor of too many hobbies.

2 Comments

  1. Mary Hill's avatar Mary Hill says:
    April 24, 2013 at 12:13 pm

    Hi, neat little creature for U. Drop by my blog: http://mary-anderingcreatively.blogspot.com/

    I have nominated you for an award. Let me know what you think. I could not find your email address.

    Like

    Reply
    1. paleololigo's avatar Penny says:
      April 24, 2013 at 12:21 pm

      Why, thank you!

      Like

      Reply

Leave a reply to Mary Hill Cancel reply