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Fossil Of 'Giant' Shrew Nearly One Million Years Old Found In Spain
ScienceDaily ^ | May 18, 2009 | Adapted from materials provided by Plataforma SINC

Posted on 05/28/2009 1:09:46 PM PDT by SunkenCiv

Researchers from the University of Zaragoza (UNIZAR) have discovered fossils in the TD4, TD5 and TD6 levels of the Gran Dolina deposit in Burgos that date to between 780,000 and 900,000 years ago, and have shown that these belong to a new genus and species of shrew (Dolinasorex glyphodon), from the Soricidae family (small insect-eating mammals)... The morphometric and phylogenetic studies of the new species reveal a close link with the species of eastern Asia... In addition, analyses of jawbones and individual teeth of Dolinasorex glyphodon, collected between 1991 and 2007 in Atapuerca, have enabled the scientists to develop paleoecological and biogeographical hypotheses, suggesting that the animal lived in an epoch characterised by a warm, wet and relatively stable climate... Dolinasorex glyphodon was a shrew with red teeth that belonged to the Soricinae sub-family. By using allometric calculations (relating to changes in the size of body parts in comparison with changes in the overall size of the animal), the researchers have described it as "giant". Compared with a modern, large-sized member of the Soricidae family, such as the water shrew (Neomys fodiens), which weighs in at around 14 grams, the body mass of the extinct shrew reached 60 grams. The study of the fossil remains of this mammal has also made it possible to discover that the shrew injected toxic saliva, in the same way that snakes do, via a "narrow and conspicuous channel" located on the inside surface of its lower incisors. "This was a mechanism very similar to that of the modern solenodons and almiquis, which are close relatives of the shrews and live on the islands of Cuba and Haiti," explains Rofes.

(Excerpt) Read more at sciencedaily.com ...


TOPICS: History; Science; Travel
KEYWORDS: creation; evolution; godsgravesglyphs; paleontology; shrew; spain
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To: seanmerc; SunkenCiv; theDentist; IbJensen; a fool in paradise; All

I didn’t know whether to reply first or click “Abuse”.

I can’t even think of a suitable punishment for such abuse.

The phosphenes behind my eyelids are glowing with images of those horrors.


21 posted on 05/28/2009 1:20:59 PM PDT by Westbrook (Having more children does not divide your love, it multiplies it.)
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To: Westbrook

You can never get them out, either!


22 posted on 05/28/2009 1:22:26 PM PDT by seanmerc
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To: a fool in paradise

Classic!


23 posted on 05/28/2009 1:22:44 PM PDT by seanmerc
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To: r9etb

24 posted on 05/28/2009 1:23:20 PM PDT by dfwgator (1996 2006 2008 - Good Things Come in Threes)
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To: theDentist; SunkenCiv; IbJensen

The Shrew That Roared
25 posted on 05/28/2009 1:23:23 PM PDT by HowlinglyMind-BendingAbsurdity
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To: americanophile

My shrew is gianter than your shrew.


26 posted on 05/28/2009 1:24:07 PM PDT by seanmerc
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To: seanmerc

hahahaha


27 posted on 05/28/2009 1:25:46 PM PDT by americanophile
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To: Westbrook

Do you need a stick to put out your mind’s eye?


28 posted on 05/28/2009 1:28:06 PM PDT by brytlea (Jesus loves me, this I know.)
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To: KarlInOhio

Is that what they based the TV character ALF on?


29 posted on 05/28/2009 1:30:56 PM PDT by WayneS (Respect the 2nd Amendment; Repeal the 16th)
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To: Westbrook

Once seen, it can NOT be unseen.


30 posted on 05/28/2009 1:31:42 PM PDT by WayneS (Respect the 2nd Amendment; Repeal the 16th)
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To: americanophile

LOVED your profile page, by the way!


31 posted on 05/28/2009 1:34:08 PM PDT by seanmerc
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To: WayneS

32 posted on 05/28/2009 1:36:59 PM PDT by seanmerc
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To: SunkenCiv

It was on the Ark you know.


33 posted on 05/28/2009 1:37:55 PM PDT by mgstarr ("Some of us drink because we're not poets." Arthur (1981))
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To: seanmerc

Thanks!


34 posted on 05/28/2009 1:39:19 PM PDT by americanophile
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To: seanmerc; brytlea; WayneS

Have you no mercy?

I’m being tormented by the horror.

Please, somebody post a photo of a bad car accident or a train wreck. It may help.


35 posted on 05/28/2009 1:40:26 PM PDT by Westbrook (Having more children does not divide your love, it multiplies it.)
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To: seanmerc
I KNEW it!!!!

I came seeking, and I found. :o)

36 posted on 05/28/2009 1:40:50 PM PDT by Landru (Arghh, Liberals are trapped in my colon like spackle or paste.)
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To: r9etb

Hahaha! Maybe...was he missing?


37 posted on 05/28/2009 1:41:43 PM PDT by kickonly88
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To: KarlInOhio

Oh crap! I loved that movie when I was a kid. Even then I knew they were dogs in giant shrew costumes but dang it that was good fun.


38 posted on 05/28/2009 1:46:22 PM PDT by fleagle ( An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last. -Winston Churchill)
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To: Westbrook
This is the best I can do....

Toad You So

39 posted on 05/28/2009 1:46:39 PM PDT by brytlea (Jesus loves me, this I know.)
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To: seanmerc; theDentist; a fool in paradise; americanophile

40 posted on 05/28/2009 1:47:14 PM PDT by ApplegateRanch (The mob got President Barabbas; America got shafted)
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