One ancient swimming mammal fossil and two evolutionary surprises, including a third set of teeth

Scientists have found a new fossil mammal, Dongoconodon platycauda, from northeastern China that lived about 120 million years ago. The animal had webbed feet and a tail that acted like a rudder, showing it was adapted to swimming. Its jaw contained a third generation of teeth, a rare feature that surprised researchers.

Dongoconodon platycauda, a newly discovered fossil mammal from northeastern China. Beyond its unusual features, such as evidence of webbed paddling feet and a rudderlike tail, this semiaquatic mammal had a surprise waiting for scientists in its jaw: a third generation of teeth.

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