In a remarkable discovery, scientists have unveiled an extraordinary fossil depicting a fierce battle between a dinosaur and a badger-like mammal. This ancient fossil, believed to be 125 million years old, captures a pivotal moment when a sizable plant-eating dinosaur fell victim to the attack of a carnivorous mammal. This finding stands as one of the earliest pieces of evidence showcasing mammals exhibiting aggression towards larger dinosaurs, rather than exclusively targeting their young.
The fossil showcases a Psittacosaurus, a dinosaur species roughly the size of a large dog, also known as the “parrot lizard.” Alongside the dinosaur lies the fossils of a Repenomamus robustus, resembling a badger-like creature. While not sizeable by dinosaur standards, Repenomamus robustus was among the largest mammals during the Cretaceous era, a time when mammals had yet to take over the Earth.
The remarkable fossil was discovered in China’s Liaoning Province, with both skeletons remarkably well-preserved. A closer examination reveals the mammal positioned atop its prey, clamping onto the larger dinosaur’s jaws. Additionally, the mammal can be seen biting into the dinosaur’s ribs while employing its hind legs to grip onto the dinosaur’s hind leg. It is believed that this pair met their fate rapidly, as they were buried by mudslides and volcanic debris.
Dr. Jordan Mallon, a co-author of the study from the Canadian Museum of Nature, emphasizes the significance of this finding, stating, “The two animals are engaged in a mortal combat, tightly intertwined, and this is one of the earliest instances demonstrating actual predatory behavior by a mammal towards a dinosaur. The coexistence of these two creatures is not a novelty, but what is remarkable about this exceptional fossil is the predatory behavior it captures. The weight of evidence strongly suggests an ongoing aggressive attack.”
This groundbreaking discovery was recently published in the prestigious journal Scientific Reports. The fossilized battle between the Psittacosaurus and Repenomamus robustus provides valuable insights into the ancient interactions and predatory behaviors of creatures that roamed the Earth millions of years ago.
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