The little Shrew that could

Say hello to one of our earliest placental ancestors, Juramaia sinensis. This tiny little shrew-like creature made its home in what is now eastern asia and is thus far the oldest know placental mammal. It lived about 160 million years ago in the mid Jurassic period. Not only is this fossil very well preserved but it also marks the point in history where mammals started splitting into two different groups, Metatheria (Marsupials) and Eutheria (Placentals). A very interesting little creature well worthy of your attention.