Scientists have discovered the fossilized remains of a predator that is 280 million years old and is an ancestor to all mammals. This creature, which does not yet have a precise species name, belongs to the group of gorgonopsians—ancient representatives on the evolutionary tree leading to mammals.
Gorgonopsians were four-legged beings that resembled reptiles and became the predecessors of mammals approximately 200 million years ago.
Gorgonopsians are more closely related to mammals than to any other living animals today. Although they are not our direct ancestors, they are linked to species that were our direct ancestors, shared co-author Ken Angelchik.
Recent discoveries, including fragments of skulls, vertebrae, ribs, and a nearly intact femur, belong to a saber-toothed predator that scientists believe may be the oldest known therapsid. Previously, the oldest known gorgonopsian remains were dated to about 265 million years ago, but the new finds are 15 million years older.
The fossils were found on the Spanish island of Mallorca, which during the time of the gorgonopsians was part of the supercontinent Pangaea. The discovered animal lacked fur or ear flaps but possessed long, sharp, blade-like fangs. These teeth indicate that it was a large predator of its time and had a carnivorous diet.
Analysis of the well-preserved limb allowed scientists to suggest that gorgonopsians moved in an intermediate manner, occupying a space between reptiles and mammals.