Early mammal could help answer one of biology’s biggest question, say experts

Dr Elsa Panciroli, of National Museums Scotland, displays enlarged, 3D printed models of krusatodon kirtlingtonesis skeletons. Photograph: Duncan McGlynn

The remains of a diminutive mouse-like creature that lived 166m years ago could help answer one of biology’s biggest questions of why mammals have become so successful, fossil experts say.

Krusatodon kirtlingtonensis belongs to the immediate predecessors of mammals and lived alongside the dinosaurs during the middle Jurassic age. But while it was originally known only from individual teeth, researchers have now reported two partial skeletons.