Scientists discover furry new post-apocalyptic critter that survived demise of the dinosaurs
Source: Washington Post
Scientists discover furry new post-apocalyptic critter that survived demise of the dinosaurs
By Sarah Kaplan October 5 at 7:39 AM
Sixty-six million years ago, a chunk of space rock the size of a mountain slammed into the Earth. The planet would never be the same.
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It was not a good time to be alive, and most species made a swift exit from the global stage: Vegetation withered. Ocean life gasped for air and energy, then collapsed. Gone were the fearsome Tyrannosaurus, the winged Pterosaurs, the massive Triceratops with its three horns and bony neck frill. The dinosaurs’ 100 million-year reign had ended. And when the smoke cleared, a new hero had taken over.
It was buck-toothed and furry and had the goofy appearance of a character from a children’s cartoon. Instead of Earth-shaking stomps, it likely moved with a rodent’s fearful scurry.
Its name is Kimbetopsalis simmonsae, scientists say in a paper published Monday in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. And although it was only about three feet long and no more intimidating than a beaver, it was one of the largest animals around. If Tyrannosaurus was the king of the Cretaceous, Kimbetopsalis was early royalty during the millennia that followed — an era we now call the “Age of the Mammals.”
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Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/10/05/scientists-discover-furry-new-post-apocalyptic-critter-that-survived-demise-of-the-dinosaurs/
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...though I take a little umbrage with the characterization as goofy looking. The artists rendition looks pretty good to me --reminds me a little of Uncle Ralph.
Thanks for the post, Eugene.
