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

_______________________________ 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

_____________________________ 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

___________________________ 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