Aplodontia

/ˌæpləˈdɑnʃə/ noun

Definition

A genus of small rodents from the Pacific Northwest, commonly known as mountain beavers or sewellels.

Etymology

From Greek 'aplos' (simple) + 'odontia' (tooth condition). Named for the simple, primitive structure of their teeth compared to other rodents.

Kelly Says

Mountain beavers are basically living fossils—their simple teeth and primitive anatomy suggest their ancestors have barely changed in 30 million years, making them incredibly valuable for understanding rodent evolution!

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