Metahyaena

Metahyaena Temporal range: Late Miocene (Vallesian)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Carnivora
Suborder:	Feliformia
Family:	Hyaenidae
Genus:	† Metahyaena Viranta & Werdelin, 2003
Type species
†Metahyaena confector Viranta & Werdelin, 2003

Metahyaena is an extinct genus of hyaenids that lived in Turkey during the Late Miocene. The type and only known species, M. confector, was discovered in the Sinap Formation. ^{[1] [2]} Metahyaena shows some primitive durophagous adaptations. The premolars of Metahyaena are narrower than those of other durophagous hyaenids such as Belbus beaumonti. ^[1]

Etymology

The specific name of M. confector (from Latin: confector, 'maker' or 'destroyer') was chosen due to the significant number of bites found on bones of other species in its type locality. ^[1]

References

1. Viranta, S.; Werdelin, L. (2003). "Carnivora". In Fortelius, M.; Kappelman, J.; Sen, S.; Bernor, R. L. (eds.). Geology and paleontology of the Miocene Sinap Formation, Turkey. Columbia University Press. pp. 178–193. ISBN   0231113587.
2. Nagel, Doris (2009). "The early Vallesian vertebrates of Atzelsdorf (Late Miocene, Austria). 10. Carnivora" (PDF). Annalen des Naturhistorischen Museums in Wien. 111 A: 605–618.