Nannopithex
Extinct genus of omomyid primate
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nannopithex is a genus of European omomyid primate from the Eocene.[1]
| Nannopithex Temporal range: | |
|---|---|
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| Dentition of N. zuccolae | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Primates |
| Suborder: | Haplorhini |
| Family: | †Omomyidae |
| Subfamily: | †Microchoerinae |
| Genus: | †Nannopithex Stehlin, 1916 |
| Species | |
| |
Description
Nannopithex lacks a second premolar, much like other omomyids. They have reduced lower canines and second incisors, alongside enlarged first incisors. The rather underived molars of Nannopithex indicate it is a very basal member of Microchoerinae.[2]
Classification
Nannopithex is closely related to Vectipithex, and 2 species formerly assigned to Nannopithex ('N'. raabi and 'N'.quaylei) have been moved to Vectipithex. Much like other Microchoerines, it is assumed Nannopithex resulted from a radiation event during the early Eocene.[3]
