Ekaltadeta
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| Genus: | Ekaltadeta |
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Ekaltadeta is an extinct genus of giant marsupials related to modern rat-kangaroos.[1] Ekaltadelta was present in what is today the Riversleigh formations in Northern Queensland from the Late Oligocene to the Miocene.[2][3]
They are hypothesized to have been either exclusively carnivorous, or omnivorous with a fondness for meat, based on their chewing teeth.[3] This conclusion is based mainly on the size and shape of a large buzz-saw-shaped cheek-tooth, the adult third premolar, which is common to all Ekaltadeta.[4] A few specimens actually did also have long predatory "fangs".
Fossils of the animals include two near complete skulls, and numerous upper and lower jaws.
References
- ^ "Potoroidae". 2007-06-11. Archived from the original on 2007-06-11. Retrieved 2017-08-23.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Fossilworks: Ekaltadeta". fossilworks.org. Retrieved 2017-08-22.
- ^ a b "Killer Kangaroo". www.wakaleo.net. Retrieved 2017-08-22.
- ^ "Mammals - Fossil Mammals - The Killer Rat-Kangaroo's Tooth". 2008-09-19. Archived from the original on 2008-09-19. Retrieved 2017-08-22.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help)
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