Fossils of a Pre-Historic One-Tonne Rodent Discovered

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A newly-identified species has been recognized as the largest known member of the order Rodentia, dwarfing the current largest rodent, the capybara, which weighs 60 kilograms (132 pounds). The skull of this species measures 53 centimeters (21 inches) and features large incisors several centimeters long. The discussion highlights the ongoing discoveries in paleontology, reflecting on how the understanding of prehistoric life continues to evolve. The excitement surrounding these findings is contrasted with humorous remarks about the changing perceptions of Earth's history and the playful notion of ancient life.
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The newly-identified species is the greatest-known member of the order Rodentia and by comparison makes the biggest rodent alive today, the 60-kilo (132-pound) capybara, look like a pygmy shrew.

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Measuring a whopping 53 centimetres (21 inches), the skull has massive incisors several centimetres long.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080116/sc_afp/sciencepalaeontologyrodent
 
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Sometimes, I'm sort of glad there is evolution.
 
hypatia said:
Sometimes, I'm sort of glad there is evolution.

:smile:
 
I saw a documentary on that last huge rat they found. Amazing at how much we are finding. When I was little there were only about a dozen known dinosaurs. :wink:
 
My little Bun catches these things all the time. :cool:
 
Evo said:
I saw a documentary on that last huge rat they found. Amazing at how much we are finding. When I was little there were only about a dozen known dinosaurs. :wink:
I'm 2 billion years old. When I was young, scientists said the Earth was formed 2.5 billion years ago. Now they say it's 4.5 billion years ago.
 
They must have had big sewers in them days
 
And cheese. Lots and LOTS of cheese.
 

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