A study by Brazilian researchers from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) published this month in the traditional science journal Journal of Anatomy made it clear Tiny fossils found in southern Brazil may actually be the first mammals to appear on planet Earth.More than 200 million years ago.

The result was based on microscopic analysis of the jaws and teeth of traces of these animal organisms found in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul in the early 2000s. First discovered in fossiliferous rocks of the Triassic/Norian period, about 225 million years old, they were called fossils. brasilodonnot only because of the place of discovery, but also because they are teeth (Greek for “odon”).

With a total length of 20 cm and a weight of 15 grams, HE Brasilodon quadrangle resembled modern-day rodents, but were described as reptilian in the scientific literature. Paleontologist Sergio Furtado Cabreira of UFRGS, who co-authored the study with Brazilian and British researchers, explains that these synodonts were classified as cold-blooded oviparous when they were discovered in the second half of the 19th century.

How did scientists discover that the fossils were from mammals?

Investigations that began in March 2004, some jaws brasilodon only 2 cm long to prepare and produce histological slides to be examined under the microscope in both countries. As such, Cabreira explains in a note that the discoveries were made by comparing enamel and other mineralized dental tissues.

The team later confirmed that the small rodents had a milky set of teeth at birth, like all existing placental mammals, including humans, which was quickly replaced by a permanent tooth. According to Cabreira, they were nocturnal animals that preyed on insects and small reptiles that lived in small burrows.

The researchers say the importance of the study is to show: placental mammals are as old as the first dinosaurs. In addition, the results reveal that certain genetic mechanisms such as breastfeeding and maternal care have remained constant over millions of years of evolution.

ARTICLE Journal of Anatomy – DOI: 10.1111/joa.13756

Source: Tec Mundo

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I am Bret Jackson, a professional journalist and author for Gadget Onus, where I specialize in writing about the gaming industry. With over 6 years of experience in my field, I have built up an extensive portfolio that ranges from reviews to interviews with top figures within the industry. My work has been featured on various news sites, providing readers with insightful analysis regarding the current state of gaming culture.

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