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A newly discovered fossil of a 165-million-year-old mammalian ancestor suggests that it was also Earth’s earliest venomous vertebrate. The species, named Bisonalveus browni, is believed to have had venomous spurs on its hind legs, similar to the modern-day platypus. This discovery challenges the previously held belief that venomous animals evolved from reptilian ancestors, as Bisonalveus browni was part of the mammalian lineage. The fossil was found in the United Kingdom, and its discovery sheds new light on the evolution of venomous animals and their place in the history of life on Earth.
Euchambersia mirabilis, a reptilian ancestor of mammals that lived approximately 260 million years ago in central South Africa, was the earliest known venomous vertebrate, predating the first snakes by about 93 million years, according to a study published in PLoS ONE. Researchers used CT scans to examine a pair of Euchambersia fossils and found evidence to support earlier suspicions that the creature had the anatomical equipment to deliver a poisonous bite. Euchambersia had a blunt head with a wide, deep circular space in its upper jaw that scientists believe accommodated a venom gland connected to its teeth and mouth by a network of bony grooves and canals.
The scans revealed two incisors and a pair of large canines with a sharp ridge, which would have helped the injection of venom into prey. Unlike snakes, which actively inject venom through fangs, Euchambersia let its venom flow into its mouth and onto the ridges on its teeth, meaning it had to bite a victim to poison it. The creature was the size of a small dog and could have used its venom for hunting or self-defense.
The skull of the Euchambersia fossil shows a large space for the venom glands, in the top jaw, directly behind the front teeth. (The teeth are pictured on the right side of the photo, to the left of Dr. Julien Benoit’s index finger.)
Several small mammal species, including the solodon found in Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, produce and use venom today.
FAQ
1. What is the name of the mammalian ancestor that was the earliest venomous vertebrate on Earth?
The mammalian ancestor that was the earliest venomous vertebrate on Earth is called the “Euchambersia”.
2. How did scientists discover that Euchambersia was venomous?
Scientists discovered that Euchambersia was venomous through analyzing the structure of its skull. They found grooves on the animal’s upper jaw that were similar to those found in modern-day venomous reptiles. These grooves were most likely used to deliver venom to its prey.
3. When did Euchambersia live?
Euchambersia lived during the Permian period, approximately 260 million years ago.
4. What kind of prey did Euchambersia hunt?
Euchambersia most likely hunted small insects and other small vertebrates, as it was a relatively small animal itself. However, its venomous bite would have given it an advantage when hunting larger prey.
5. How does the discovery of Euchambersia change our understanding of the evolution of venomous animals?
The discovery of Euchambersia as the earliest venomous vertebrate on Earth changes our understanding of the evolution of venomous animals by pushing back the timeline of when venomous animals first appeared. Previously, it was thought that venomous animals first appeared during the Cretaceous period, approximately 100 million years ago. However, Euchambersia lived over 100 million years before that, showing that the evolution of venomous animals occurred much earlier than previously thought.
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