Umbogaulus
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| Umbogaulus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Reconstruction of U. galushai. | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | †Mylagaulidae |
| Genus: | †Umbogaulus Korth, 2000 |
| Species | |
| |
Umbogaulus is a genus of mylagaulid rodent from Miocene North America.[1]
Crania
Umbogaulus, much like other mylagaulids, have thickened nasals, though they lack the horns of Ceratogaulus.[2] Umbogaulus has large bosses on the anterior end of the nasals, similar to the related Hesperogaulus. The premaxilla of Umbogaulus are splayed laterally, to accommodate the nasal bosses. The skull is generally heavier built than other mylagaulids, and the shape of the mandibular ramus is deep and compressed.[3] In terms of dentition, the teeth of Umbogaulus are highly adapted. The fourth premolar is considerably wider than those of related mylagaulids,[4] and all premolars are patterned with complex holes and divots. The teeth are so diagnostic that they have been used to assign one species, U. monodon, to the genus.[5] The molars of U. monodon are greatly enlarged, and there is no cementum lining the external enamel ring.[6] The post-canine diastema is short.[3]
