Moeritherium lyonsi (Andrews 1901; Eocene, 36 mya; 70 cm tall at shoulder) nests here as an ancestor to sea cows, like Dusisiren. Moeritherium is derived from a sister to Notostylops. Note the similar small tusks.
The orbit was far forward, over the diatema. Huge jaw muscles filled the back half of the skull. The cervicals were long with robust fused ribs. A long torso, tiny tail and short limbs lacking feet, unfortunately, are parts known from bits and pieces of several specimens. |