Walter Georg Kühne
Encyclopedia
Walter Georg Kühne was a German paleontologist, known as a "legendary explorer of Mesozoic
mammals".
In 1958 he founded the Berlin Institute for Paleontology of the Free University of Berlin
.
His studies focused specifically on mesozoic microfauna, seeking to bring to light the history of the oldest mammals, which until the 1960s was almost unknown. Before him, findings of species of small size in the continental Mesozoic deposits had been mostly random.
His efforts were concentrated more in excavations in lignite mines which he considered as preferred deposits for the remains of terrestrial vertebrates.
Thanks to his efforts new species could be described that were interpreted as the most primitive mammals as Morganucodon
and Kuehneotherium
, as well the "mammal-like reptile" Oligokyphus
.
He was the first to discover the immense paleontological heritage of the famous Guimarota
lignite mine in Portugal to start methodological, accurate excavations in the area.
Mesozoic
The Mesozoic era is an interval of geological time from about 250 million years ago to about 65 million years ago. It is often referred to as the age of reptiles because reptiles, namely dinosaurs, were the dominant terrestrial and marine vertebrates of the time...
mammals".
In 1958 he founded the Berlin Institute for Paleontology of the Free University of Berlin
Free University of Berlin
Freie Universität Berlin is one of the leading and most prestigious research universities in Germany and continental Europe. It distinguishes itself through its modern and international character. It is the largest of the four universities in Berlin. Research at the university is focused on the...
.
His studies focused specifically on mesozoic microfauna, seeking to bring to light the history of the oldest mammals, which until the 1960s was almost unknown. Before him, findings of species of small size in the continental Mesozoic deposits had been mostly random.
His efforts were concentrated more in excavations in lignite mines which he considered as preferred deposits for the remains of terrestrial vertebrates.
Thanks to his efforts new species could be described that were interpreted as the most primitive mammals as Morganucodon
Morganucodon
Morganucodon is an early mammalian genus which lived during the Late Triassic. It first appeared about 205 million years ago. This has also been identified with Eozostrodon. Unlike many other early mammals, Morganucodon is well represented by abundant and well preserved, though in the vast...
and Kuehneotherium
Kuehneotherium
Kuehneotherium was an early symmetrodont whose fossils have been found in Greenland, France and Luxembourg. It is known only from an upper molar as well as nine additional teeth and four dentary fragments.-Further reading:...
, as well the "mammal-like reptile" Oligokyphus
Oligokyphus
Oligokyphus was an advanced herbivorous cynodont of the late Triassic to early Jurassic periods. Originally considered to be an early mammal, it is now classified as a synapsid because Oligokyphus does not have the mammalian jaw attachments and it retains a vestigial joint between the quadrate...
.
He was the first to discover the immense paleontological heritage of the famous Guimarota
Guimarota
Guimarota is a disused coal mine that contains a diverse array of fossil animals and plants from the Upper Jurassic, Kimmeridgian period. It is located in central Portugal, near the city of Leiria....
lignite mine in Portugal to start methodological, accurate excavations in the area.
[A. W.] Crompton tells the story of a German refugee named Walter Kuhne, who at the start of World War II walked into Cambridge University with teeth from a borderline mammal. "I know where to discover early mammals," he told British paleontologist F.R. Parrington. Parrington was impressed enough to offer him £5 (about $35 then) for every additional tooth he brought to the university.