Identification of 'Grave Robber' Fossil

[Karlis]

After 121 Years, Identification of 'Grave Robber' Fossil Solves a Paleontological Enigma

Resolved: the evolutionary relationships of Necrolestes patagonensis, whose name translates into "grave robber," referring to its burrowing and underground lifestyle. This much-debated fossil mammal from South America has been a paleontological riddle for more than 100 years.

This finding unexpectedly moves forward the endpoint for the fossil's evolutionary lineage by 45 million years, showing that this family of mammals survived the extinction event that marked the end of the Age of Dinosaurs.

Read more