Hypsiprymnodon karenblackae facts for kids

Hypsiprymnodon karenblackae is the name of a small, ancient marsupial. It lived in Australia a very long time ago, during a period called the Early to Middle Miocene Epoch. This animal is only known from its fossils, which were found at a famous site called the Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh). Scientists officially described this species in 2014.

Discovering an Ancient Marsupial

Hypsiprymnodon karenblackae was first described in 2014. It was one of several new species of the genus Hypsiprymnodon discovered at that time. These animals are often called musky rat-kangaroos. The fossils help us understand what Australia was like millions of years ago.

What Was Hypsiprymnodon karenblackae Like?

This ancient marsupial was quite small. Scientists studied the shape of its teeth very carefully. The teeth suggest that Hypsiprymnodon karenblackae lived in a wet rainforest environment. This is similar to where its modern relative, the musky rat-kangaroo (Hypsiprymnodon moschatus), lives today. Studying fossils like these helps us learn about past climates.

Where Was This Fossil Found?

The very first fossil of Hypsiprymnodon karenblackae is called the "type specimen." It was found at a place known as the Camel Sputum site. This site is part of the famous Riversleigh fossil area. Riversleigh is located in northwestern Queensland, Australia. The fossils here are found in specific layers of rock. This particular fossil came from a layer called a Faunal Zone B deposit, which dates back to the Miocene period.

Naming the Species

The second part of the species name, karenblackae, honors a scientist. It is named after Dr. Karen Black. Dr. Black is a very important palaeontologist in Australia. She has contributed a lot to studying ancient life, especially the amazing fossils found at Riversleigh. Naming species after people who help discover them is a common practice in science.