Amphitherium
Amphitherium, extinct genus of early mammals known as fossils from Middle Jurassic deposits (of 176 million to 161 million years ago). Amphitherium is the earliest representative of the pantotheres, a group of early mammals that, it is believed, represents the stock that gave rise to all the higher mammals of later times. Amphitherium is known from a lower jaw found in Europe and is characterized by the large number and distinctive structure of its teeth.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Richard Pallardy.
Citation Information
Article Title:
Amphitherium
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
10 June 2016
Access Date:
November 13, 2026