Shimenotherium

Shimenotherium
Temporal range: Danian
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Mammalia
Order:
Mesonychia
Family:
incertae sedis
Genus:
Shimenotherium jubilatum

Xue et al., 2026
Binomial name
Shimenotherium jubilatum
Xue et al., 2026

Shimenotherium is a genus of medium-sized, basal mesonychian with short jaws that first appeared during the Early Paleocene in the Danian stage. It is known from two articulated, mostly complete skeletons found in the Fangou Formation within the Shimen Basin in Shaanxi Province, China. Only one species is known, S. jubilatum.

Anatomy

The skull is similar to those of Hukoutherium, but has a shorter face and a longer sagittal crest. The dental anatomy is very similar to those of H. ambiguum and of Yantanglestes. Compared to those mesonychians who have known post-cranial elements including foot anatomy, Shimenotherium has a plantigrade stance.

Taxonomy

In comparisons with other mesonychians, Xue et al. determined Shimenotherium to be a basal mesonychian most closely related to Yantanglestes and Hukoutherium ambiguum.

References

  1. ↑ Xue, X.; Bai, B.; Xie, K.; Wang, Y. Two Mesonychid Skeletons from the Lower Paleocene of the Shimen Basin, Shaanxi, China. Palaeontologia Sinica. Vol. 206. pp. 1–233. ISBN 9787030861160.
  2. ↑ Xue, X.; Bai, B.; Xie, K.; Wang, Y. Two Mesonychid Skeletons from the Lower Paleocene of the Shimen Basin, Shaanxi, China. Palaeontologia Sinica. Vol. 206. pp. 1–233. ISBN 9787030861160.