Scientists Find Gliding, Proto-Mammalian Jurassic-Era Fossils

[Doctor Mud]

Here's a link to an interesting article on these amazing finds:

I wonder if @jpc might be able to provide us with any personal insights on these discoveries?

I think he is keen on early mammal fossils?

 

https://www.inverse.com/article/35301-gliding-prehistoric-mammals-jurassic-fossil

 

And images of the fossils:

 

 

This fossil of Maiopatagium furculiferum shows evidence of wing-like membranes that paleontologists suspect helped it glide like modern-day flying squirrels.

 

In this fossilized Vilevolodon diplomylos, the arrows indicate the imprint of the gliding animal's wing-like membrane.

[Doctor Mud]

Nature paper on both species:

 

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature23476.html

 

Nature paper on Vilevolodon diplomylos:

 

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature23483.html?foxtrotcallback=true

 

Both appear to be open access? At least I can get them here, but I'm at work.

[jpc]

I am flattered you thought of me Dr Mud.  Yes I do like my Mesozoic mammals, but I have been in the field a lot lately and this is the first I have seen of this one.  Very cool specimens.  And I am too busy right now to have a look at the paper.