Last week, scientists revealed a primate fossil originally discovered 2 years ago that may be the "missing piece" to the human lineage puzzle. Found near Frankfurt, Germany, the 47 million-year-old fossil is said to possibly be the ancestor of humans and other apes. Interestingly, these lemur-like remains are missing a tooth-comb and grooming claw --two qualities that humans lack as well. (Photo of Ring-Tailed Lemur from National Geographic)
The article does an excellent job of reviewing the discovery, but the WSJ reporter made a great point by writing that the fossil record itself is one large "missing link." At times, I think people have a hard time understanding the specific conditions required for organic remains like animals and plants to fossilize. I hope to learn more about taphonomy, or the process of fossilization, in the future...
Regardless, I'm happy to see the lemur and its great, great ancestor gain consideration in this evolutionary discussion. Lemurs have often been "written-off" so to speak because of their taxonomic isolation in Madagascar. Long live the lemur!
No comments:
Post a Comment