Ocepeia [SEP] parent taxon
evolution of paenungulates from insectivore-like mammals. Unusual features of "Ocepeia" include skull bones with many air-spaces, and teeth and jaws reminiscent of those of simian primates. "Ocepeia" also has fewer teeth than other early ungulates. "Ocepeia" is distinct enough from other groups that it is placed in its own family, Ocepeiidae.
"Ocepeia" lived at a time when northwest Africa was at the intersection of the Atlantic Ocean and the ancient Tethys Ocean, and much of the area was flooded by
shallow, warm inland seas. "Ocepeia" fossils are associated with diverse sharks, birds, and marine reptiles, and a small number of early mammals, including other condylarths and early proboscideans. The early appearance and specialized features of "Ocepeia" suggest afrotherians originated and diversified within Africa, contrary to theories suggesting a more northern origin.
Discovery and naming.
All specimens of "Ocepeia" come from the Ouled Abdoun Basin of Morocco, a phosphate basin. Research on "Ocepeia" has been carried out by French