Plesiorycteropus was a mammal from Madagascar that became extinct
sometime after 200 BCE, as evidenced by radiocarbon dating. Upon its
description in 1895 by French naturalist Henri Filhol, Plesiorycteropus
was classified with the aardvark, but more recent studies have found
little evidence for that linkage. Molecular evidence instead suggests
that it is related to the tenrecs, in the order Afrosoricida. Two
species are recognized, the larger P. madagascariensis and the smaller
P. germainepetterae; subfossil remains of both species have been found
in the same site. Only limb and partial pelvis and skull bones have been
recovered to date. Plesiorycteropus was probably a digging animal that
fed on insects such as termites and ants. It also shows adaptations for
climbing and sitting. Estimates of its mass range from 6 to 18 kilograms
(13 to 40 lb). Forest destruction by humans may have contributed to its
extinction.
Read more: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plesiorycteropus>
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Today's selected anniversaries:
1711:
George Frideric Handel's Rinaldo, the first Italian language
opera written specifically for the London stage, premiered.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rinaldo_%28opera%29>
1803:
The U.S. Supreme Court, in Marbury v. Madison, declared an act
of Congress unconstitutional for the first time, forming the basis of
judicial review.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marbury_v._Madison>
1943:
World War II: The Battle of Kasserine Pass, the first major
engagement between American and Axis forces in Africa, ended with the
Allied forces suffering heavy losses.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Kasserine_Pass>
1989:
United Airlines Flight 811 experienced an uncontrolled
decompression after leaving Honolulu International Airport in Hawaii,
killing nine passengers when their seats were sucked out of the
aircraft.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Airlines_Flight_811>
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Wiktionary's word of the day:
histrionic:
1. Of or relating to actors or acting.
2. (by extension) Excessively dramatic or emotional, especially with the
intention to draw attention.
<https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/histrionic>
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Wikiquote quote of the day:
Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugared water
or do you want a chance to change the world?
--Steve Jobs
<https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Steve_Jobs>
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