Filikomys
Extinct genus of mammals
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Filikomys is an extinct genus of mammal from the Campanian of North America. A multituberculate, it demonstrates complex social behaviours were present in these early mammals.[3] The type species is F. primaevus; a second, smaller species, F. minor, has been tentatively assigned to the genus.[4]
| Filikomys Temporal range: | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | †Multituberculata |
| Superfamily: | †Ptilodontoidea |
| Genus: | †Filikomys Weaver, 2020 |
| Species | |
| Synonyms | |
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Description
Filikomys primaevus is a roughly squirrel sized mammal. Several individuals were found within the same locale. The holotype is a dentary, NMC 1890.[3]
Etymology
From Greek Filikós "friendly", and mys, mouse, alluding to its social behaviour. Primaevus is Latin for youthful.[3]
Classification
Filikomys primaevus is nested among the Ptilodontoidea.[3]
Social behaviour
Several individuals were found co-habitating a burrow. This suggests multituberculates had complex social behaviours like modern mammals,[3] which in particular have been compared to the social complexity of placentals.[5]