Groundbreaking Discovery of New Cretaceous Species in Dorset Challenges Early Mammal Evolution

July 23, 2025
Groundbreaking Discovery of New Cretaceous Species in Dorset Challenges Early Mammal Evolution

In a remarkable discovery on the cliffs of Durlston Bay near Swanage, Dorset, a new species of prehistoric mammal has been unearthed, offering significant insights into the diversity of early mammals that coexisted with dinosaurs. The fossilized remains, dating back approximately 145 million years to the Berriasian age of the Cretaceous period, were found by Benjamin Weston, an undergraduate paleontology student at the University of Portsmouth, during fieldwork in the region known for its rich fossil heritage.

Weston's find, identified as a jaw from a previously unknown species of multituberculate, has the potential to redefine our understanding of early mammal evolution. Multituberculates, an extinct group of early mammals characterized by their unique posterior teeth, played a crucial role in the Mesozoic ecosystem. The discovery marks the first multituberculate jaw found in Swanage since the Victorian era, highlighting the rarity and significance of this specimen.

The fossil, measuring just 16.5mm in length, showcases distinct features such as sharp, blade-like premolars and a long pointed incisor. According to Weston, "I instantly had my suspicions of what the jaw was when I found it at the beach, but couldn’t have imagined where the discovery would take me. I’m extremely grateful to the team and to the university for helping me take my first steps into academic paleontology."

The advanced study of the jaw utilized state-of-the-art CT scanning technology, allowing researchers to assess the fossil's details without causing damage. Dr. Charles Wood, a senior scientific officer at the University of Portsmouth, led the team that applied CT scanning to reveal intricate details obscured by rock. Following this, digital processing carried out by Jake Keane, a former student now working in Abu Dhabi, allowed the team to isolate individual teeth from the fossil through what has been termed "digital dental surgery."

This methodological approach not only preserved the fragile fossil but also provided insights that would be unattainable with traditional methods. The CT scans facilitated the creation of magnified 3D printed replicas of the jaw, enhancing the analysis while safeguarding the original specimen.

The newly discovered species has been named Novaculadon mirabilis, with the genus name "Novaculadon" referencing the razor-like shape of its back teeth, while "mirabilis" signifies the exceptional preservation of the specimen. It is believed that Novaculadon mirabilis was an omnivore, likely preying on small invertebrates such as insects and worms, marking a notable distinction from modern rodents like squirrels and rats.

In addition to the scientific value of the fossil itself, the collaborative effort behind the research highlights the importance of teamwork in academic settings. Emeritus Professor David Martill, who supervised the research, commented on the collective effort involved: "Looking back now that the discovery has been published, I am amazed at how many people it took to describe this little mammal. I especially appreciated that all team members were university staff or present and former students—a true team effort including academics, technicians, alumni, and students with diverse talents across three departments."

This discovery underscores the significant role that universities and their departments play in fostering groundbreaking research. The combination of academic mentorship, innovative technology, and hands-on experiences at the University of Portsmouth creates an environment conducive to significant paleontological discoveries such as Novaculadon mirabilis. As ongoing studies continue to unveil the complexities of early mammal evolution, this finding represents a pivotal moment in understanding the ecological roles these ancient creatures played during the age of dinosaurs.

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Cretaceous periodearly mammal evolutionmultituberculateDorset fossilsBenjamin WestonUniversity of PortsmouthCT scanning technologyNovaculadon mirabilispaleontologyfossil discoveryBerriasian ageDurlston Bayprehistoric mammalspaleontological researchDavid Martilldigital dental surgeryfossil preservationmammalian diversitySwanagefieldwork in paleontologyacademic collaborationornithischian dinosaursearly Mesozoic ecosysteminvertebrate dietresearch methodologiesscientific innovationfossil heritageadvanced imaging techniquesfossil analysishistorical significance

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