Mammals are a group of warm-blooded vertebrates that give birth to live young and feed them milk. Known as one of the most adaptable animals on Earth, mammals are found on every continent and in every size, whether it’s tiny bumblebee bats, humans or giant blue whales.
For decades scientists have been trying to track the evolution of mammals to understand how they became some of the most successful animals on the planet. Recently, scientists have discovered two rare fossils on the Isle of Skye in Scotland that could provide important information about the evolution of mammals on Earth.
About the search
For decades, the Jurassic era mammal, Crusatodon, has been the centre of attention for the research fraternity as it is considered to be one of the first creatures to roam the Earth along with the dinosaurs. So far, only a handful of fossils of the primitive shrew-like mammal have been found. Among them are two exceptionally complete skeletons, one of a juvenile creature and the other of an adult. Both fossils were discovered from Skye, Scotland. What sets Crusatodon apart from modern small mammals is its long lifespan.
Why is the discovery of a rare fossil important?
According to the BBC, studying these fossils of early mammals can help scientists understand the factors that helped them become some of the most adaptable animals on Earth. Researchers used high-tech X-ray imaging to see through rocks and study the growth patterns in the teeth of two fossilized fossils.
Dr Elsa Panciroli, associate researcher in palaeobiology at National Museums Scotland, told BBC News that studies of the juvenile mammal’s fossil showed it had teeth at around two years of age, which is unusual compared to modern-day small mammals.
Small mammals on Earth today have very short lifespans, sometimes as little as 12 months, which is in stark contrast to the ancient mammal discovered by scientists in Scotland.
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Published: July 25, 2024, 01:24 PM IST
