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Ancient mammal fossil reveals early chewing and suckling
Original: This surprising mammal fossil is giving scientists something to chew on https://www.npr.org/2026/10/07/nx-s1-5991361/fos
Scientists have described a fossil of an early mammal relative that shows some of the earliest evidence of chewing, swallowing and suckling. The find, reported by NPR, suggests these feeding abilities developed far earlier in mammal evolution than previously understood. The fossil is being compared to features seen in platypus-like animals, and researchers say it sheds new light on how mammals' distinctive way of eating first emerged.
Why now: The fossil pushes back the known origins of mammalian chewing and suckling, a notable paleontology finding
Evidence
- This surprising mammal fossil is giving scientists something to chew on https://www.npr.org/2026/10/07/nx-s1-5991361/fossil-mammal-platypus-chew-swallow-suckle-earliest # Science # Fossil # Mammal · npr_science@robot.villas · 4
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