Remains of a 15.5-million-year-old distant relative of the lynx were discovered in Madrid

In an article recently published in the scientific journal Journal of Vertebrate PaleontologyIn the article, the group describes a jaw fossil discovered near modern-day Madrid, some of its features, and its place in the feline family tree.

Previous research has revealed that cats first appeared about 25 million years ago.

CSIC scientists They found an almost complete hemimandible (half of the lower jaw), including all teeth except the incisors, and in good condition.. It was discovered in 2007 during the excavation called Príncipe Pío-2, during the extension of the metro stop to the shopping center. The remains were taken to the National Museum of Natural Sciences for archiving.

When experts examined the fossil, they discovered that it belonged to him. They named a new cat species Magerifelis peignei. The researchers discovered that the animal belonged to a sister class (group) that also includes modern species such as the Iberian lynx. lynx pardinus. The team also noted that this species had a unique feature: a lower second molar, found only in modern cats.

They guessed that the cat It weighed approximately 7.61 kg, making it almost twice the weight of a domestic cat. It is quite similar to the weight of an extant and modern lynx or wildcat. They also saw that its half-mandible was large compared to the rest of its body, giving this cat a sturdy appearance.

Therefore and from these features, scientists deduce that: The cat had a powerful bite, allowing it to hunt relatively large prey.They’re probably tearing their throats out. Additionally, they assume that: Magerifelis peignei It should purr but not roar.

Researchers point out that this fossil helps fill in some gaps in the evolutionary history of cats due to its second molar.

Reference work: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02724634.2023.2288924

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