Neoreomys is an extinct genus of caviomorph rodent that lived in South America during the Miocene epoch.
Taxonomy
Phylogenetic analysis has shown Neoreomys to be a monophyletic genus not closely related to Dasyproctidae, but instead representing a plesiomorphic member of Cavioidea.
Description The incisors of Neoreomys australis were characterised by an enamel microstructure consisting of an interprismatic matrix whose crystallites ran parallel or at a very low angle to enamel prisms and without totally surrounding each prism.
Palaeobiology
Locomotion Geometric morphometric analysis of the foot of Neoreomys points to it having had a generalised mode of ambulation, in contrast to other Late Oligocene and Early Miocene caviomorphs.
Diet Dental microwear analysis has found that Neoreomys australis was a consumer of fruits and seeds.
References