A saber-toothed predator from over 270 million years ago has been unearthed on Mallorca.
The fossil represents the oldest-known mammal ancestor, challenging prior assumptions about their origins. Paleontologists reconstructed its movements and provided fresh insights into mammalian evolution.
By Sadie Watkins
A Prehistoric Predator Emerges
Researchers on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca have uncovered the remarkably well-preserved remains of a Gorgonopsian, an ancient predator belonging to the Therapsid group. This species, thought to be the earliest ancestor of mammals, lived during the Permian period over 270 million years ago. Measuring about one meter long, the creature resembled a hairless husky with saber-like teeth and lacked the pointed ears typical of modern dogs. Its discovery marks a significant addition to the fossil record.
Reconstructing Ancient Movement
Through analysis of its nearly complete femur and other skeletal elements, the research team reconstructed the animal’s gait. Unlike reptiles with sprawling limbs, this Gorgonopsian displayed semi-erect legs positioned beneath its body. This adaptation likely provided greater efficiency in walking and running, bridging the gap between reptilian and mammalian movement. Such findings illuminate the evolutionary trajectory leading to modern mammals.
A Tropical Past
At the time of its existence, Mallorca was part of the supercontinent Pangaea, located near the equator. Its environment was dominated by monsoonal climates, alternating between wet and dry seasons. The Gorgonopsian thrived in swampy floodplains alongside plant-eating species like Tramuntanasaurus tiai, which may have been its prey. This discovery underscores the ecological diversity of the region during the Permian period.
Revisiting Origins
Unlike previously discovered Gorgonopsians from high-latitude regions such as Russia and South Africa, this specimen suggests that Therapsids may have originated in tropical lowlands. Its age predates other known fossils, prompting researchers to propose that mammal ancestors emerged in these equatorial habitats as early as 283 million years ago. This theory challenges longstanding assumptions about their evolutionary timeline and geographic beginnings.
The discovery of the Gorgonopsian fossil from Mallorca sheds new light on the origins of mammalian ancestors. It suggests that these ancient creatures may have emerged in tropical regions earlier than previously thought. Such findings underscore the dynamic and complex nature of evolutionary history.
Based on content from www.scinexx.de and own research.