574 



ZOOLOGY 



SECT, 



Cats, Bears, and Weasels which, in the existing fauna, appeal- 

 separated from one another by differences of the most strongly- 

 marked character. Several extinct families are recognised, and 

 one extinct order the Creodonta. The latter present resemblances 

 to the Insectivora on the one hand, and to the Polyprotodont 

 Marsupials on the other, such as would appear to indicate a 

 relationship with both of those groups. 



A group of Eocene Mammals of uncertain affinities are the 

 Tillodontia (Fig. 1167), which by some have been elevated to the 

 rank of a distinct order. The Tillodontia appear to unite in a 



FIG. 11(37. Tillotherium fodiens. Left lateral view of skull. (From Flower, after Marsh.) 



remarkable degree, in skull and dentition, ungulate, rodent, and 

 carnivorous characteristics. 



The Rodents were represented in the Tertiary period by all, or 

 nearly all, the principal groups existing at the present clay, together 

 with several extinct families. Some of the Tertiary Rodents 

 attained a much larger size than any living members of the order. 



Among the Tertiary Insectivora, in addition to representatives 

 of existing families, are a number of extinct forms. Through these 

 it is possible to connect the living Insectivora with the Oreodont 

 Carnivora on the one hand, and with the Prosimii on the other. 



Chiroptera, not differing widely from existing forms, occurred) 



as early as the Eocene. 



... 

 Prosimii occur from the Eocene onwards. A single extinct" 



family is known, comprising Lemuroids which bear a closer 

 resemblance to Insectivora than do the living members of the 

 order. Of the Anthropoidea the Hapalidre and Cebidce are only 



