A Remarkable Fossil Discovery
A university student made a remarkable find during a fossil-hunting field trip in Dorset. They discovered a 145-million-year-old jawbone from a previously unknown mammal species. This jawbone belongs to a creature named Novaculadon mirabilis, which boasted razor-like teeth. This incredible discovery sheds light on early mammal evolution and is the first of its kind from the region in over a century.
Thanks to advanced techniques like CT scanning and 3D printing, researchers were able to analyze the fossil in detail. The preservation of this specimen and its sharp-toothed structure provide invaluable insights into the characteristics of early mammals that coexisted with dinosaurs. This fascinating beach walk turned into an extraordinary scientific breakthrough, demonstrating how even a simple outing can lead to significant discoveries.