"Unraveling Evolutionary Mysteries: New Research Illuminates Ancient Fossil"
New research published in Biology Letters reveals that picrodontids, an extinct family of placental mammals, are not primates as previously believed, settling a paleontological debate that has lasted over 100 years. By using modern CT scan technology to analyze the only known preserved picrodontid skull, researchers determined that while picrodontids share dental features with primates, the bones of their skull are unlike those of any living primate or close fossil relatives of primates, suggesting independent evolution of dental similarities for similar diets. This study highlights the importance of revisiting old specimens with updated techniques and sheds light on primate evolution.