Scienceenvironment
Ancient Swimming Mammal Fossil Reveals Evolutionary Surprises
Researchers have discovered the fossil of a remarkable semiaquatic mammal in northeastern China that lived approximately 120 million years ago. Named Dongoconodon platycauda, the creature resembles a cross between a platypus and a beaver. Beyond its physical adaptations for swimming, including webbed feet and a rudderlike tail, the fossil revealed an unexpected biological trait: evidence of a third generation of teeth.