Morganucodon

The genus name Morganucodon means "Glamorgan tooth" (Morganuc refers to South Glamorgan, Wales, where it was first found; and odon means tooth in Greek). The species name honors paleontologist D. M. S. Watson.

Morganucodon was a little mammal with a long, shrew-like face, a short, gerbil-like body that was approximately 10 cm (4 inches) long, and a tail that was quite lengthy. It weighed between 27 and 89 grams and was coated in fur. One of the first fuzzy, warm-blooded animals, it had a long, low body with short legs, a pointed nose and perhaps whiskers, dense fur, and a somewhat longer tail for balance. Morganucodon resembles a cross between a shrew and a lizard because it possesses distinct teeth (incisors, canines, and molars), an essential mammalian trait.

Morganucodon was a nimble, quick-moving mammal. Morganucodon was mostly terrestrial and probably a skilled climber and burrower, whereas later Mesozoic mammals evolved for swimming or gliding. Although this mammal lacked specialization, it could likely paddle short distances if necessary, much like contemporary tiny mammals.

Morganucodon most likely lived in burrows during the day and was nocturnal. Although there isn't any direct evidence from fossils, there are a number of indications that the evolution of the mammal class had a nocturnal bottleneck, and nearly all contemporary mammals that are comparable in size to Morganucodon are still nocturnal. The teeth grew in mammalian fashion, with deciduous teeth being replaced by permanent teeth that were retained throughout the rest of the animal's life.

Insects and small invertebrates made up its diet, and it preferred hard-shelled food like beetles or other insects. Morganucodon inhabited a perilous planet where reptiles predominated. Pterosaurs, larger synapsids, crocodile-like reptiles, and small theropod dinosaurs were probably their primary predators. In essence, this mammal was able to survive by hiding and being active at night.

Reproduction

We don’t have direct fossil proof, but based on relatives:

• Morganucodon likely laid eggs or had very primitive live birth

• Morganucodon was probably produced small, underdeveloped young

• Morganucodon have shown early forms of parental care

In order to maintain a metabolism that was slower than that of contemporary mammals but higher than that of reptiles, Morganucodon was nocturnal and spent its nights hunting. It appears to have regularly groomed itself based on the presence of specialized glands. Morganucodon is probably shy and avoidant, and in controlled settings, it might grow slightly tolerant of humans. If it lived today, it would be harmless to humans. This creature was more like to a wild shrew and a rat than it was "friendly" in the sense of a pet.

Morganucodon didn’t abruptly “fail”—it was part of a gradual transition:

• It was replaced by more advanced mammals

• Caused by competition and ecological changes

• Evolutionary turnover rather than sudden extinction

Although Morganucodon thrived in neighboring nations during the Jurassic Period, including France, Spain, Andorra, Monaco, Mongolia, Nepal, Siberia, and maybe Kazakhstan, fossils of the species have been discovered in Wales and mainland China. It prefers warm, humid climates, forest floors, and places with lots of insects and flora.

• Movement Pattern: Not a Migrant

• Individual Type: Solo

• Population Trend: Stable

• Population: 0

• Locomotion: Arboreal-Terrestrial

• Habitat: Temperate Coniferous Forests; Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests; Temperate Deciduous Forests; Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Subtropical Coniferous Forests; Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Stone Forest; Tropical Coniferous Forests; Tropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Grasslands, Savannas and Shrublands; Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands, and Scrub; Flooded Grasslands and Savannas; Swamp; Bayous/Billabongs; Cold Bamboo Forests; Tropical Bamboo Forests; Mountain; Warm Ghost Town; Cold Ghost Town; Ruined Skyscraper.

• Earth: 

  • Extinct: Andorra; France; Ireland; Monaco; Portugal; Spain; United Kingdom (Wales)

Our world

It was not a good idea to tame or pet this mammal. It was difficult to domesticate, had a very high metabolism (requires constant feeding), and was probably prone to stress. Instead of acting like a loving pet, Morganucodon would act more like a worried insectivore.

Rapunzel's world

A dead or living bug, spider, tick, centipede, non-venomous millipede, crab, shrimp, or even caterpillar—all of which can be obtained from a variety of sources—can be used to tame Morganucodon if it hasn't already. 

TBA

Past and Present Incidents Individuals

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The Recollections of Queen Arianna Individuals

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• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morganucodon

• https://www.deviantart.com/ognimdo2002/art/Morganucodon-watsoni-987861590