What is potamotherium?

Potamotherium is an extinct genus of semi-aquatic mammal that lived during the middle Eocene epoch, approximately 48 to 37 million years ago. It belonged to the family Potamotheriidae, and was closely related to the early cetaceans or whales.

Potamotherium was about the size of a modern-day otter or beaver, and had a flattened tail, webbed feet, and muscular hind legs that were adapted for swimming. Its long, slender body was covered in dense, waterproof fur that helped to insulate it in cold water. Its diet likely consisted of fish and other aquatic animals.

This genus is known from fossils found in Europe, including France, Germany, and Poland. Fossils of Potamotherium have been found in marine and freshwater deposits, indicating that the animal could live in both environments. It is thought that Potamotherium was an important transitional species in the evolution of aquatic mammals, as it displayed both terrestrial and aquatic adaptations.