The vole genus Mimomys had shown rapid evolution during
the past five million years, with 40 or more species being
recognized based on features including their molar teeth.
Mimomys was widespread, especial1y across Europe, but
seems to have died out about half a million years ago.
The many species of Mimomys are described mainly from
the shape and features of the teeth, especially the lower first
molar and the upper third molar. The molars had roots,
which are lacking in the modern equivalent of Mimomys -
the water vole, Arvicola.