Scientists examined a 165-million-year-old fossil from China and found a broad swimming tail plus bony th

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1. 1h ago

   165-million-year-old fossil reveals mammal-like throat

   Scientists examined a 165-million-year-old fossil from China and found a broad swimming tail plus bony throat structures. The Jurassic mammal predecessor, named Megacauda sungei, could feed and swallow in ways seen in modern mammals. It lived during the Jurassic period and had advanced swallowing anatomy, revealing an early step toward the ability to safely nurse on milk.

   Why it matters

   This discovery provides insight into the evolution of mammals and their ability to chew and swallow food. The fossil suggests that some early relatives of mammals had already developed ways of chewing and swallowing food millions of years before modern mammals evolved.

   What is confirmed

   • The fossil is 165 million years old.
   • The fossil was found in China.
   • The species is named Megacauda sungei.
   • Megacauda sungei had a broad tail for swimming.
   • Megacauda sungei had throat bones similar to those found in modern mammals.
   • The discovery suggests that some early relatives of mammals had already developed ways of chewing and swallowing food millions of years before modern mammals evolved.

   What to watch next

   • Further analysis of the fossil's anatomy
   • Discovery of additional fossils from the same period
   • Publication of the research findings in a peer-reviewed journal
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. The Times of India — Scientists examined a 165-million-year-old fossil from China and found a broad swimming tail plus bony th
   2. Nature — A Jurassic mammaliaform swimmer and transformation of the mammalian pharynx
   3. Reuters — Otter-like critter swam lakes and rivers in the age of dinosaurs
   4. NPR — This surprising mammal fossil is giving scientists something to chew on
   5. Live Science — 'It looks like a chimera' — 168 million years ago, a strange platypus-like mammal relative lived in China alongside dinosaurs
   6. Sci.News — Jurassic Fossil Shows Mammal-Like Throat Evolved Far Earlier Than Thought
   7. Phys.org — Jurassic fossil reveals ancient origins of how mammals drink milk
   8. theconversation.com — Animal life may be far older than its most ancient fossils – here’s how we uncovered its hidden history
   9. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — Scientists examined a 165-million-year-old fossil from China ...
   10. www.cbsnews.com — UChicago scientists discover semi-aquatic Jurassic-era otter ...
   11. article.wn.com — Scientists examined a 165-million-year-old fossil from China ...
   12. www.sciencedaily.com — This tiny jurassic predator helped pave the way for the human ...
   confidence 95%