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Condylarthra
Condylarthra (cohort Ferungulata, superorder Protoungulata) An extinct order comprising seven families of primitive ungulates, including some that resemble the original eutherian stock so closely that their classification has presented many difficulties; some authors break the order into several different groups, assigned to other orders. Condylarths appear to be transitional between insectivores and true ungulates. They ranged from the late Cretaceous to the latter part of the Miocene and were a major part of the Palaeocene fauna. Some forms possessed claws and may have been arboreal (Hyopsodontidae), others became highly specialized, but the development of hoofs and ungulate dentition can be traced to families in the order.
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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Condylarthra." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "Condylarthra." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Condylarthra.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "Condylarthra." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Condylarthra.html |
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Condylarthra
Condylarthra (condylarths; class Mammalia) Extinct order comprising seven families of primitive ungulates, including some resembling the original eutherian (see EUTHERIA) stock so closely that their classification has presented many difficulties. Condylarths appear to be transitional between insectivores and true ungulates. They ranged from the late Cretaceous to the latter part of the Miocene and were a major part of the Palaeocene fauna. Some forms possessed claws and may have been arboreal (Hyopsodontidae), others became highly specialized, but the development of hoofs and ungulate dentition can be traced to families in the order.
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Cite this article
AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "Condylarthra." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "Condylarthra." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-Condylarthra.html AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "Condylarthra." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-Condylarthra.html |
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