Notoryctemorphia order is represented by 1 family containing a
single genus and species, Notoryctes typhlops; although some
scientists recognize a second species, Notorcytes caurinus. The
fossil history for this order was unknown until recently when
fossils from the middle Miocene of Queensland were discovered.
This new information suggests a relationship (although distant)
between Notoryctes and Peramelemorphia. is found in north and
east central Western Australia, southern Northern Territory and
western South Australia. They inhabit dry desert areas along
river flats among scrubby bushes. While they do tunnel and are
highly adapted for this activity, Notoryctemorphia also spends a
fair amount of time on the surface. Their excavations are
usually shallow and collapse easily behind as they both day and
night, Notoryctemorphia is well suited for digging. They possess
fused vertebrae in the neck and a horny shield over the front of
the head which together allows the animal to bore through the
soil. They push th