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 ...
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.
You can never get them out, either!
Classic!
My shrew is gianter than your shrew.
hahahaha
Do you need a stick to put out your mind’s eye?
Is that what they based the TV character ALF on?
Once seen, it can NOT be unseen.
LOVED your profile page, by the way!
It was on the Ark you know.
Thanks!
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.
I came seeking, and I found. :o)
Hahaha! Maybe...was he missing?
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.
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