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The
Notoryctemorphia order is represented by 1 family containing
a single genus and species, Notoryctes typhlops;
although some scientists recognize a second species,
Notorcytes caurinus. The fossil history for this
order was unknown until recently when fossils from the
middle Miocene of Queensland were discovered. This new
information suggests a relationship (although distant)
between Notoryctes and Peramelemorphia.
Notoryctemorphia
is found in north and east central Western Australia,
southern Northern Territory and western South Australia.
They inhabit dry desert areas along river flats among
scrubby bushes. While they do tunnel and are highly
adapted for this activity, Notoryctemorphia also spends
a fair amount of time on the surface. Their excavations
are usually shallow and collapse easily behind as they
burrow forward.
Active
both day and night, Notoryctemorphia is well suited
for digging. They possess fused vertebrae in the neck
and a horny shield over the front of the head which
together allows the animal to bore through the soil.
They push the dirt and gravel out of the way with highly
modified front digits and flattened hind limbs. This
species is blind having only vestigial eyes under the
skin each with a reduced optic nerve. They are marsupials
with the young completing development in a pouch that
opens posteriorly.
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