REALLY old flying mammal!
Dec 13 - Scientists discovered gliding squirrel-like mammals that lived with the dinosaurs at least 130 million years ago, or even earlier than birds.
A fossil of the creature, which represents a previously unknown group of mammals, was found in rock beds in northeastern China.
Toe bones suggest it was also able to climb trees, critical for a glider to reach heights from which to take off.
It had a large skin membrane from its fore to hind limbs which acted like an airfoil during flight.
There is also evidence of fur on the membrane and other parts of its body.
Katie Juhl reports.
Dec 13 - Scientists discovered gliding squirrel-like mammals that lived with the dinosaurs at least 130 million years ago, or even earlier than birds.
A fossil of the creature, which represents a previously unknown group of mammals, was found in rock beds in northeastern China.
Toe bones suggest it was also able to climb trees, critical for a glider to reach heights from which to take off.
It had a large skin membrane from its fore to hind limbs which acted like an airfoil during flight.
There is also evidence of fur on the membrane and other parts of its body.
Katie Juhl reports.
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