Iberica (mammal) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Iberica |
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Plagiaulacida
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?Eobaataridae
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Iberica
Badiola et al., 2011
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Iberica was an extinct (meaning it no longer exists) genus of tiny, ancient mammals. It lived in what is now Galve, Spain. This was during the early Cretaceous period, about 130 million years ago. Iberica belonged to a group called multituberculates. It was first named in 2011 by scientists Ainara Badiola, José Ignacio Canudo, and Gloria Cuenca-Bescós. The main species, or "type species," is called Iberica hahni.
Contents
What Was Iberica?
Iberica was a very early type of mammal. It was part of a group known as multituberculates. These animals are named for the many bumps, or "tubercles," on their teeth. These bumps helped them chew their food. Scientists think Iberica might have been an eobaatarid or a plagiaulacid. These are different families within the multituberculate group.
Meet the Multituberculates
Multituberculates were a very successful group of early mammals. They lived for a very long time, even longer than many dinosaur groups! They were often small, like mice or squirrels. They had teeth that were good for gnawing plants, seeds, or even insects. They were some of the first mammals to appear on Earth.
Life in the Cretaceous Period
Iberica lived during the early Cretaceous period. This was a time when dinosaurs ruled the Earth. The world looked very different back then. There were no humans, and the continents were in different places. The climate was generally warmer than today. Many new types of plants, like flowering plants, began to appear. Small mammals like Iberica lived alongside giant dinosaurs. They likely hid in burrows or trees to stay safe.
Discovery and Naming
The first fossils of Iberica were found in Galve, Spain. This area is famous for its dinosaur and ancient mammal fossils. Scientists Ainara Badiola, José Ignacio Canudo, and Gloria Cuenca-Bescós studied these fossils. They realized they had found a new type of ancient mammal. They officially named it Iberica in 2011. The name Iberica comes from the Iberian Peninsula, where Spain is located. The species name, hahni, honors another paleontologist, Gerhard Hahn.
See also
In Spanish: Iberica (mamífero) para niños
