Inermorostrum
{{Short description|Extinct genus of mammals}}
{{speciesbox
| fossil_range = Early Oligocene, {{Fossil range|30}}
| image = Inermorostrum NT.jpg
| image_caption = Life restoration
| genus = Inermorostrum
| parent_authority = Boessenecker et al., 2017
| species = xenops
| authority = Boessenecker et al., 2017
}}
Inermorostrum is a genus of primitive odontocete from early Oligocene (Rupelian) marine deposits in South Carolina. It belongs to the family Xenorophidae.
Description and biology
Inermorostrum is largely distinguished from other xenorophiids in having a greatly reduced rostrum devoid of functional teeth. The short, toothless rostrum is unusual for early odontocetes, showing that Inermorostrum mostly preyed on squids and other marine invertebrates by means of suction-feeding.{{cite journal |last1= Boessenecker |first1= R.W. |last2= Fraser |first2= D. |display-authors=etal |date= 2017 |title= A toothless dwarf dolphin (Odontoceti: Xenorophidae) points to explosive feeding diversification of modern whales (Neoceti) |journal= Proceedings of the Royal Society B |volume= 284|issue= 1861|pages= |doi= 10.1098/rspb.2017.0531|doi-access= free |pmid= 28835549 |pmc= 5577471 }}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Odontoceti|O.}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q37795120}}
Category:Oligocene mammals of North America
Category:Fossil taxa described in 2017
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