Eozostrodon Facts and Figures

Name: Eozostrodon (Greek for early girdle tooth); pronounced EE-oh-ZO-struh-don Habitat: Woodlands of Western Europe Historical Period: Late Triassic-Early Jurassic (210-190 million years ago) Size and Weight: About five inches long and a few ounces Diet: Insects Distinguishing Characteristics: Long and sleek body with short legs About Eozostrodon If Eozostrodon was a true Mesozoic mammal--and thats still a matter of some debate--then it was one of the earliest to have evolved from the therapsids (mammal-like reptiles) of the earlier Triassic period. This tiny beast was distinguished by its complex, three-cusped molars, its relatively large eyes (which indicate that it may have hunted at night) and its weasel-like body; like all early mammals, it probably lived high up in trees, so as not to get squashed by the larger dinosaurs of its European habitat. Its still unclear whether Eozostrodon laid eggs and suckled its young when they hatched, like a modern platypus, or gave birth to live babies.