An Upper Cretaceous symmetrodont (Mammalia) from southern Utah

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Abstract
A spalacotheriid symmetrodont from the Late Cretaceous (?early Campanian) Wahweap Formation of southcentral Utah is described on the basis of isolated molars. This is the first record of non-tribosphenic Theria from the southwestern United States. In several respects, Symmetrodontoides foxi, n.sp. is more primitive than its close relative, S. canadensis from the upper Milk River Formation (early Campanian, Aquilan) of Alberta, Canada. The orientation of wear striations indicates that jaw movement in this advanced symmetrodont included a significant transverse component. Although shearing was obviously important in spalacothere dental function, the lack of well-developed, polished wear facets and the presence of heavy apical wear indicate that puncture crushing was also significant.

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