What is kollikodon?

Kollikodon is an extinct genus of monotreme mammals that lived during the early Cretaceous period, around 121 million years ago. The fossils of Kollikodon have been found in Australia and are known from several partial skulls and postcranial remains.

Kollikodon is believed to have been a small mammal, about the size of a modern-day rat or possum, and was likely a semi-aquatic animal that lived near the rivers and lakes of the time. It had sharp teeth that it likely used to feed on insects and small invertebrates, and it is also believed to have laid eggs like modern-day monotremes such as the platypus and echidnas.

Kollikodon is an important fossil find because it helps to fill in gaps in the evolutionary history of monotremes, which are a group of mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young and are found only in Australia and New Guinea. Its discovery also highlights the importance of Australia’s unique geological history and biodiversity.