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Morganucodon
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Morganucodon (meaning "Morgan's tooth") was a small, very early mammal. It lived on the forest floor during the late Triassic and early Jurassic periods, about 200 million years ago. Fossils have been found in caves in Wales and also in China. Morganucodon was named by F.R. Parrington in 1941.

Anatomy: Morganucodon was a tiny, rat-like quadruped that had 5-toed feet and a short tail. It was about 4 inches (10 cm) long; it had short legs, a long, narrow snout, and both sharp teeth plus grinding molars. This early mammal belonged to the Order Triconodont (having 3 cups on molars).

Its large eyes probably indicate that it was nocturnal. Morganucodon was probably warm-blooded, but may have laid eggs, like other primitive mammals.

Diet: Morganucodon ate insects and other small animals.



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