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!
