New Fossil of Microdocodon and Evolution of Mammalian Hyoids (VIDEO)

University of Chicago Medical Center

Caption

Tiny hyoid bones are preserved below the skull in the Jurassic mammaliaform Microdocodon. Comparison of Microdocodon to distant cynodont relatives and modern mammals reveals new information about hyoids and middle ears of Mesozoic mammals. The discovery of modern mammal-like hyoids of a mammaliaform sheds light on the first appearance of the swallowing function in mammal evolution.

Credit

April I. Neander

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