Gurbanodelta kara is an extinct genus of metatherianmammal. A deltatheroid, it represents the geologically youngest member of this clade, dating to the late Paleocene of China.[1]
Description
Gurbanodelta kata is known from upper molars. They are the smallest sized among deltatheroideans, suggesting that it was a small, shrew-sized mammal.[1]
Classification
Gurbanodelta kara nests deeply within Deltatheridiidae. Its closest relative is the largest known deltatheroidean, Nanocuris.[1]
Size reduction
Deltatheroideans are relatively large carnivorous mammals. By contrast, Gurbanodelta kara is a small sized species. This indicates a size reduction that potentially allowed it to survive the KT event, likely switching to an insectivorous diet.[1]