POSITION OF THE AILURAVINAE WITHIN THE EARLY RADIATION THE EUROPEAN RODENTS

The recent discovery in Mongolia of the Alagomyidae, the most primitive rodents known up to now, allows further discussion concerning the phylogenetic relationships and systematic position of the Ailuravinae from the Eocene of Europe. Two other species (Paucimys pourcyensis nov. gen. and P. cordicingularis) from the Early Eocene of Europe, previously attributed to the genus Paramys, can be situated in this group. The conclusion emphasizes the diversity of the primitive rodents and the difficulty of establishing their phylogenetic relationships.