An international team led by the Catalan Institute of Paleontology has made a groundbreaking discovery in Mallorca, uncovering the oldest known ancestor of mammals. This fossil, dated between 270 and 280 million years old, was found at a site that was once part of the supercontinent Pangea.
The fossil belongs to the gorgonops, an extinct group of synapsids that were the precursors to modern mammals. Unlike most mammals today, these creatures laid eggs and possessed saber-like teeth, making them apex predators of their time.
Excavations conducted in Banyalbufar revealed a wealth of remains, including well-preserved bones that offer insights into the creature's locomotion and diet. The discovery is particularly remarkable as previous gorgonops fossils have been primarily found in higher latitudes such as Russia and South Africa.
Researchers emphasize the significance of this find not only for understanding the evolution of mammals but also for the ecological dynamics of ancient environments. The site, once a floodplain with temporary ponds, suggests a rich ecosystem where these early predators thrived.
This discovery highlights the importance of Mallorca's fossil record, which, despite its small size, has yielded significant paleontological treasures, including the oldest known mosquito and a variety of prehistoric marine species.