A furry, squirrel-sized creature that soared through prehistoric skies - possibly even sharing the lofty view with birds' first ancestors - suggests that mammals took flight nearly 70 million years earlier than scientists had thought.The evidence comes in the form of a squashed skeleton found in Inner Mongolia that belonged to a tree-inhabiting creature born with a built-in hang-glider - a fold of furry skin that stretched between it's front and hind legs. Scientists named it Volaticotherium antiquus, meaning ancient winged beast, though the beast part might be a bit of a stretch for an animal about 5 inches long.
Volaticotherium antiquus
What a big name for such a little animal, it's only about 5 inches long.
Hershey (black kitten), Oreo (black & white kitten), Yin (black), Yang (white with black spots), Slippy (gray tabby) , & Dogs Ladybug (collie) and Maize plus our Mom Sandra
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