Researchers have discovered a significant fossil in Inner Mongolia, China, providing some of the oldest evidence of mammalian traits like chewing, swallowing, and suckling. This fossil, named Megacauda sungei, dates back 165 million years to the middle Jurassic period. It was found in a region known for yielding remarkable fossils, including feathered dinosaurs and flying reptiles. The fossil, about the size of a chihuahua, was difficult to photograph due to its dark color, but X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy revealed its features. The back end of the creature resembled a platypus, while its sharp teeth indicated it was a predator. This discovery, detailed in the journal Nature, suggests that these mammalian characteristics have ancient origins, offering insights into the evolution of mammals.
QUESTION: How might understanding the ancient origins of mammalian traits influence our perspective on human evolution?
This surprising mammal fossil is giving scientists something to chew on
