Is it a little lemur fossil, a pre-human missing link, both, or neither? German scientists have found a purported 47-million-year-old lemur-like fossil that’s surprisingly human – and very controversial.

The discovery of a new fossil that may be a missing link is shocking, say scientists. The fossil – known as “Darwinius masillae” has primate characteristics – opposable thumbs, “grasping” hands, fingernails instead of claws, and a short limb-to-height ratio.

All these unique qualities suggest that the Dawinius masillae fossil – or “Ida,” as the scientists named her – is a missing link. Ida’s fossil might be the key to understanding early primate evolution. The fossil is very well preserved, and scientists were even able to find evidence of Ida’s fur and her last meal: fruit and leaves.

Furthermore, the lemur-like fossil is from a time period that is underrepresented in evolutionary history. Basically, Ida is one of the only well-preserved lemur/prehuman specimens from the Eocene era – the time period when early primates underwent the most rapid period of evolution.

You can see a picture of Ida to the left. The “Missing Link” YouTube video explains more about Ida’s background and shows more pictures and even x-rays of her skeleton.

It’s obvious that Ida is an important new fossil discovery. But is she really a “missing link?” Do you believe these “Missing Link Found” videos? Is Ida’s skeleton more similar to the lemurs of Madagascar or to the advanced primates, like humans?


(H/T to National Geographic News)


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