Repenomamus

Name:

Repenomamus (Greek for "reptile mammal"); pronounced reh-PEE-no-MAY-muss

Habitat:

Woodlands of Asia

Historical Period:

Early Cretaceous (130-125 million years ago)

Size and Weight:

About 3 feet long and 25 pounds

Diet:

Meat

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Large size; powerful jaws with sharp teeth

About Repenomamus:

There's an exception to every rule, and the exception to the rule that the early mammals of the Mesozoic Era were small, mousy, cowering creatures is Repenomamus. This primitive mammal was a true monster of its kind, attaining weights of about 25 pounds and lengths of 3 feet (compared to a few inches and a few ounces for most other mammals). Even more amazingly, Repenonamus is the only Mesozoic mammal known to have fed on dinosaurs; one fossil specimen has been found with the remains of a Psittacosaurus in its stomach!