Desmana
Desmana is a genus of mole containing one living species, the Russian desman. Fossil species of Desmana have been found across Eurasia, with the oldest known species, Desmana marci, originating from the Pliocene epoch in Spain. The genus is believed to have evolved from earlier moles.
Key Facts
- ›The genus Desmana includes one living species, the Russian desman.
- ›Fossil Desmana species have been discovered throughout Eurasia.
- ›The earliest known species, Desmana marci, dates back to the early Pliocene.
- ›Desmana marci is thought to have originated in Spain.
- ›The genus likely evolved from earlier moles of the genus Archaeodesmana.
Russian Desman
Eurasia
About Desmana
The genus Desmana is a group of moles that includes a single living species, the Russian desman (Desmana moschata). Beyond its sole extant representative, the genus is known from a number of fossil species that have been identified across Eurasia.
Fossil History and Evolution
The oldest known species attributed to the Desmana genus is Desmana marci, discovered in Spain and dating back to the earliest Pliocene epoch. This ancient species is thought to have descended from earlier moles within the genus Archaeodesmana. It is further suggested that Desmana marci may have given rise to subsequent species, including D. verestchagini, which in turn could have led to the evolution of more recent species, culminating in the living Russian desman.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
How many living species are in the genus Desmana?
The genus Desmana currently contains only one living species, known as the Russian desman.
Where have fossil Desmana species been found?
Fossil species belonging to the genus Desmana have been discovered across various locations in Eurasia.
What is the oldest known species of Desmana?
The oldest identified species within the Desmana genus is Desmana marci, which existed during the earliest Pliocene epoch.
Where is Desmana marci from?
Desmana marci, the oldest known species in the genus, originated from Spain.
What is the evolutionary origin of the Desmana genus?
It is believed that the Desmana genus likely evolved from earlier moles belonging to the genus Archaeodesmana.
