Ancient Pre-Mammal Discovered in Zambia Named Scarface

Posted on August 23, 2015

Scientists have identified a new species of ancient pre-mammal. The fossilized jaw of the species was discovered in Zambia. The creature has been named Ichibengops unyamadziensis.

The name means Scarface of the Munyamadzi River. It combines the local Bemba word for scar (ichibenga) with ops, the Greek suffix for face. The creature is named for a unique groove found in its upper jaw. The creature was a member of Therocephalia, a group of ancient mammal relatives.

Scarface was identified by researchers from The Field Museum in Chicago and the University of Washington. The scientists say Scarface may have been venomous.

Kenneth Angielczyk, PhD, associate curator of paleomammalogy at the Field Museum, says in a statement, "Discoveries of new species of animals like Ichibengops are particularly exciting because they help us to better understand the group of animals that gave rise to mammals. One interesting feature about this species in particular is the presence of grooves above its teeth, which may have been used to transmit venom."

Venomousness is rare in modern mammals as well as their extinct relatives. Today only mammals like the platypus and some shrews are known to produce venum.

A research paper on Scarface can be found here in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.



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