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Microtitan is a genus of brontothere from the Irdin Manha formation.[1]

Description

Microtitan is small compared to other contemporary brontotheres, being similar in size to Metarhinus. The premolars of Microtitan are compressed, while the molars are elongated.[2] The genus is almost entirely known from the cheek teeth, as well as mandibular and maxillary remains.[3][4] There is no indication of the specialization of the rostrum as seen in Dolichorhinus or Metarhinus. The upper canines of Microtitan are moderately sized.[5]

Classification

The fragmentary nature of Microtitan has caused it to have a convoluted classification history. The holotype specimen of the genus, AMNH 20167, (ascribed to the species M. mongoliensis) has been considered a composite specimen (meaning material came from multiple individuals) and not fitting to be a diagnostic specimen. A neotype, AMNH 22099, is currently ascribed to the species by Granger and Gregory (1943).[2][5] Other species assigned to the genus have been considered dubious.[5][3]

Currently the genus is grouped within the subfamily Brontotheriinae, close to Metarhinus.[5]

References