Liyamayi facts for kids

Liyamayi dayi is an ancient mammal that lived about 15 million years ago. It was a type of bandicoot, a small marsupial, and its fossils were found in a special place called the Riversleigh World Heritage Area in Australia. Scientists discovered these fossils and realized they were much older than other similar bandicoot fossils found before. This discovery helps us learn more about how bandicoots evolved over millions of years.

What is Liyamayi dayi?

Liyamayi dayi is a very old species of bandicoot. It belongs to a group called thylacomyids. This group is different from other bandicoot families, like the pig-footed bandicoots and the bandicoots we see today. Scientists believe Liyamayi dayi was an early member of its family.

How Big Was It?

Scientists estimate that Liyamayi dayi weighed about 650 grams to less than one kilogram. That's roughly the weight of a small rabbit! We know this from studying its fossil.

What Fossils Were Found?

The only fossil found so far is a part of the animal's upper jaw, specifically the right side. This jawbone still has some of its molars (back teeth) and the empty spaces where other teeth used to be. These teeth are very important because they help scientists understand what Liyamayi dayi ate and how it is related to other animals.

Naming Liyamayi dayi

Scientists gave this ancient bandicoot its unique name, Liyamayi dayi, in 2014. The researchers who described it were K. J. Travouillon, S. J. Hand, M. Archer, and K. H. Black. They found that its teeth were different from other known bandicoots, so they created a new genus (a group of closely related species) called Liyamayi.

What Does the Name Mean?

The name Liyamayi comes from the Waanyi language, which is spoken by the local people in the Riversleigh area. It combines two words: liya and mayi. Together, they mean "round tooth." This name was chosen because the shape of its teeth is a special feature that helps identify this animal. The second part of the name, dayi, was chosen to thank Robert Day for his support of the research project.

Where Did Liyamayi dayi Live?

The only place where Liyamayi dayi fossils have been found is the Riversleigh World Heritage Area in Australia. This area is famous for its many well-preserved mammal fossils.

Its Ancient Home

Specifically, the fossils were discovered at a spot called Rick's Sausage Site within Riversleigh. About 15 million years ago, when Liyamayi dayi lived, this area was a wet rainforest. Other animal fossils found at the same site also show that it was a lush, wet environment. Finding Liyamayi dayi here suggests that its family group was starting to spread into this region, even as the climate in other parts of Australia was becoming drier.