168-million-year-old platypus-like mammal relative found in China

Researchers described Megacauda sungei from Inner Mongolia, the largest-known mammal relative of the Jurassic at 1–2 kg. The semiaquatic predator hunted salamanders and had a hyoid apparatus for suckling milk, pushing that adaptation back before the split of marsupials and placental mammals.

• Fossil dates to 168–163 million years ago and weighed 1–2 kg
• Semiaquatic predator with a broad flat tail and short hind legs
• Hyoid apparatus for suckling milk evolved at least 165 million years ago
• Study published in Nature on Oct. 7