Prehistoric beavers used to dominate the world after the dinosaur era

A new specimen of fossils discovered in New Mexico has helped scientists gain more knowledge about mammals that appeared after the extinction of dinosaurs 65 million years ago.

Prehistoric beavers used to dominate the world

"The mammal named Kimbetopsalis simmonsae looks like a prehistoric version of a beaver. They are about half a meter long, weigh 10-40kg, and have large front teeth protruding from the muzzle to chew leaves. " Stephen Brusatte, a member of the research team, said.

Picture 1 of Prehistoric beavers used to dominate the world after the dinosaur era
(Source: sputniknews).

This beaver-like creature is the largest size member of an extinct mammal group called multituberculates, which appeared at the same time as the dinosaurs and survived the event 65 million years ago.

However, Kimbetopsalis has also become extinct 35 million years ago when it was cleverly developed by modern rodents and evolved faster.

The fossil of Kimbetopsalis is found in New Mexico, and scientists believe that it is one of the most developed species in the period immediately after the meteorite impact that the dinosaurs were destroyed. .

Picture 2 of Prehistoric beavers used to dominate the world after the dinosaur era
Tooth of Kimbetopsalis species simmonsae.(Source: sputniknews).

According to scientists, Kimbetopsalis are plant-eating species. Healthy molars help them eat plants easily.

"Kimbetopsalis is evidence that the use of life has hinged stages that are able to restart the evolutionary process . Mammals have prospered in the new world, reaching into the first evolutionary work, as well as laying the foundations for a new era, where they are not the dominant species, this evolutionary explosion gave birth to primates, and eventually gave birth to them. I " , Brusatte wrote in the study.