The object looks to be the elusive ancestor scientists have been trying to track down.
How annoying! The primary meaning of "ancestor" implies causation, direct descent, which assuredly is not the case here. A better word-choice would have been "precursor" or even "forerunner".
9 posted on 04/14/2022 7:14:38 AM PDT by Hebrews 11:6
("This is Thy pleasure, that Thou art my joy")
11 posted on 04/14/2022 7:20:25 AM PDT by Red Badger
(Homeless veterans camp in the streets while illegal aliens are put up in hotels.....................)