New species discovered in Hebei, China

Yanoconodon allini, a species that lived 12.5 billion years ago, was discovered in Fengning county, Chengde city in Hebei province. This is the first the world knows of the species, the respected international journal "Nature" said.

Experts say that this is the first mammal from the Mesozoic Era to be found in Hebei, and will provide valuable evidence for the study of the evolution of mammals. A research team that includes paleontologists from China and the US has named the newly discovered fossil "Yanoconodon allini". According to studies, Yanoconodon allini had 26 ribs and vertebrae. Most terrestrial mammals have 19 or 20. Its special teeth suggest it was a typical triconodont mammal.

By People's Daily Online