[Article déjà publié en mai 2024]
The animal world is full of wonders and surprises, and mammals are no exception. From giants like the Paraceratherium (Hornless Rhinoceros) to tiny ones like the Salpingotulus michaelis, the diversity of sizes and shapes is impressive.
As we explore the history of the smallest mammals in history, from a small insectivore that lived 53 million years ago to the tiny Etruscan Shrew that still lives among us, one question instinctively comes to mind . Which of them is actually the smallest mammal in the world?
Mammals: a fascinating and diverse class
Mammals are characterized by their ability to nurse their young and regulate their body temperature. They are a fascinating class of animals. Their history dates back about 225 million years, a time when dinosaurs ruled the Earth. After their extinction around 65 million years ago, mammals experienced an explosion of diversity and prosperity.
Thanks to their capacity for adaptation and their developed intelligence, mammals have evolved throughout history to occupy almost every habitat on the planet. From arid deserts to icy polar regions. This remarkable adaptability has allowed them to colonize a wide variety of ecological niches, giving rise to a staggering diversity of species.
Today, there are more than 5,400 species of mammals. This ranges from a contender for the title of smallest mammal in the world, the Pygmy Phalanger, weighing barely 30 grams, to African Elephants, colossi that can weigh up to 6 tonnes. This extraordinary diversity makes mammals one of the most fascinating and widely studied groups of animals in the animal kingdom. Indeed, they continue to amaze and inspire researchers around the world.
The smallest mammal in history
Among the thousands of species of mammals that have populated our planet, Batodonoides vanhouteni stands out for its tiny size. This small insectivorous mammal lived around 53 million years ago. It is considered the smallest mammal in the world that has ever existed.
Discovered thanks to fossils found in North America, B. vanhouteni belonged to an ancient group of insectivores called leptictids. These small creatures, close to modern mammals, were characterized by their small size and their insectivorous diet. They lived at a time when mammals were beginning to diversify after the extinction of the dinosaurs.
Batodonoides vanhouteni (model pictured) lived about 50 million years ago in what is now Wyoming. It was so small that it could climb up a pencil, and weighed as little as a dollar bill! Its closest living relatives are modern-day shrews and moles. pic.twitter.com/jfBLe7bgpo
— American Museum of Natural History (@AMNH) November 19, 2017
Batodonoides vanhouteni weighed about 1.3 grams, comparable in size to some insects. Its small size was probably an adaptation to its insectivorous lifestyle. This allowed it to squeeze through small spaces in search of prey.
Although Batodonoides vanhouteni is now extinct, its history illustrates the incredible diversity and adaptability of mammals over millions of years. Its small size makes it a fascinating example of the evolution and adaptation of species to their environment.
The smallest mammal in the world today
The title of smallest mammal in the world is currently held by the Etruscan shrew (Suncus etruscus). This small creature, also known as the Pygmy Shrew, is native to the Mediterranean region, although it has spread to other parts of the world due to human activity.
It weighs about 1.8 grams, about the weight of a coin. Its tiny body is usually between 3 and 5 centimeters long, no larger than the size of a human knuckle. This exceptionally small size makes it a fascinating specimen for biologists and zoologists to study.
The Etruscan shrew is the smallest mammal in the world, but it is larger than the Batodonoides vanhouteni.
Credit: davidmometto via iNaturalist, cropped
The Etruscan Shrew is a voracious insectivore, feeding mainly on insects, worms and other small prey that it finds in its environment. Despite her small size, she is very active and must constantly forage for food to support her rapid metabolism. This little beast must eat eight times its body weight every day.
Amazing adaptations of the Etruscan Shrew
The Etruscan Shrew has amazing characteristics. Sure enough, its bite is 12 times faster than the average human eye blink. This makes it one of the most formidable predators despite its small size.
Additionally, mother Etruscan shrews often carry their young by gripping them tightly with their teeth at the base of their tail. Trailing them behind them like a small caravan. This ingenious method of transportation allows them to protect their young while continuing to forage for food and move quickly.
The Etruscan Shrew is an astonishing example of the diversity and adaptability of mammals. Despite its tiny size, it has managed to survive and thrive in a wide variety of environments. This speaks to the astonishing ability of mammals to adapt to different and often difficult conditions.
Via iflscience
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
