Data from: An enigmatic new ungulate-like mammal from the early Eocene of India

We report on a new genus and species of herbivorous mammal, Pahelia
mysteriosa, from the early Eocene Cambay Shale Formation, Tadkeshwar
Lignite Mine, Gujarat, India. The new taxon, approximately the size of a
small phenacodontid (e.g., Ectocion parvus), is represented by three
mandibular fragments, the most complete of which documents nearly the
entire symphysis and mandibular body plus P3-M3. Pahelia has incipiently
selenolophodont molars with strong exodaenodonty, absent paraconids, weak
but distinct entolophids, and prominent ectostylids. Molar size increases
distally, but M3 does not develop a prominent third lobe. Premolars are
simple, with prominent protoconids and short talonids but little
development of other trigonid cusps. The mandibular symphysis is strongly
fused, and there is an enlarged alveolus for an anterior tooth. The
combination of features present in the new taxon does not closely match
that of any known mammal, but there are some similarities to a diversity
of ungulates from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. Preserved
morphology is insufficient to confidently assess the affinities of the new
taxon, but a link to Quettacyonidae, also endemic to the Indian
subcontinent, is morphologically and biogeographically plausible. If this
scenario is correct, it suggests that P. mysteriosa could be a part of the
endemic mammalian fauna of India prior to its initial faunal contact with
Asia.