Indohyus indirae is a genus and extinct species of artiodactyl mammal belonging to the Raoellidae family. Artiodactyls are a diverse group of mammals that includes pigs, hippos, camels, deer, and other even-toed ungulates.
Indohyus indirae was discovered at the Cachar Fossil Bed in the northeastern Indian state of Assam. The name "Indohyus" comes from the combination of "Indo" which refers to the region of India where it was found and "Hyus" which comes from the Greek word "hyo" which means pig, since the animal has features that resemble to those of pigs.
This mammal lived during the Eocene period, approximately 48 million years ago. Its size was similar to that of a small dog, with a slender body and relatively short legs. It is estimated that his weight was around 10 to 15 kilograms.
Indohyus indirae is especially interesting for paleontology because it provides important evidence for understanding the evolution of cetaceans, which include whales, dolphins, and porpoises. It has been proposed that cetaceans have a common ancestor with terrestrial artiodactyls, and the structure of the middle ear of Indohyus suggests that this species had hearing adapted to aquatic life, supporting the hypothesis that whale ancestors were animals. terrestrial that progressively adapted to the aquatic environment.
Approximate measurements of the Indohyus:
1:35 scale - 30mm long
1:20 scale - 60 mm long
