GabiPaleo @gabipaleo.bsky.social · 01/09/2024Leptictidium - a small mammal from 50 million years ago, just after the extinction of non-avian dinosaurs. It lived in the subtropical forests of what is now Europe, resembling modern Elephant Shrews and Bandicoots. 1/5 2138 13
GabiPaleo @gabipaleo.bsky.social · 01/09/2024Leptictidium showed significant size variation. Leptictidium auderiense (type species, featured in my artworks) was about 60 cm long, while Leptictidium nasutum reached up to 90 cm, showing diversity in sizes within the genus. 2/5 144 4
GabiPaleo @gabipaleo.bsky.social · 01/09/2024The debate continues on whether Leptictidium hopped or ran bipedally. Its long feet and tail, which could act as a counterweight, suggest hopping. (If it didn't hop, it could be one of the few bipedal, non-jumping mammals, having theropod-like posture.) 3/5 131 3
