ScienceScience DailyThis tiny jurassic predator helped pave the way for the human brain
A 165-million-year-old Jurassic fossil has revealed an early mammal ancestor with a soft palate, a key adaptation researchers say helped pave the way for human brain development.
A 165-million-year-old fossil has revealed an extraordinary Jurassic predator that may help explain how mammals developed one of their most important evolutionary advantages. Although only 20 inches long, Megacauda sungei was a heavyweight among early mammal relatives, swimming through ancient waterways and hunting prey with specialized teeth. Its advanced swallowing anatomy reveals an early step toward the ability to safely nurse on milk, a key development in mammalian evolution.
Researchers studying a 165-million-year-old fossil called Megacauda sungei found evidence of a sophisticated soft palate, a key mammalian anatomical feature, published in the journal Nature.
The soft palate separates the mouth from the pharynx, allowing swallowing while still breathing, which researchers say was essential for nursing young on milk and supporting brain development.
Paleontologist Prof Thomas Martin said the soft palate and shaping of the oral cavity are directly linked to mammalian evolution, with this tiny otter-like creature predating modern mammals by millions of years.
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