⏰ when

When was the earliest known mammal fossil discovered?

Quick Answer

The oldest widely accepted mammal fossils date to about 225 million years ago, in the Late Triassic.

The Full Story

The earliest known mammal fossils come from the Late Triassic, roughly 225 million years ago. These small, shrew-like animals are often represented by genera such as Morganucodon, which shows several key mammalian traits. They were already evolving features like differentiated teeth and a more advanced jaw and ear structure. That makes them important evidence for how true mammals emerged from earlier synapsids.

Key Facts

1.Earliest mammal fossils date to about 225 million years ago
2.Late Triassic period
3.Morganucodon is among the best-known early mammals

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"The tiny creatures that launched the age of mammals"

Was this answer helpful?

Tap a reaction — it helps us pick what to cover next.