Why is the Ida fossil important?

Ida (pronounced EE-duh) is the most perfectly preserved primate fossil in the world. Paleontologists, scientists who study fossils, estimate that Ida died 47 million years ago. Ninety-five percent complete, she is the most complete primate fossil ever found.

Is darwinius a Haplorhine or strepsirrhine?

But a dental comb is a feature that only evolved recently in the strepsirrhine lineage and therefore the absence of that trait does not, by default, make Darwinius a haplorhine, Gebo says.

Why is darwinius a strepsirrhine?

Although adapiformes had once been contenders for the role of anthropoid ancestors during the 1970’s and 1980’s they have since been recognized as strepsirrhine primates, meaning that there was no way they could be the ancestors of monkeys (and hence apes).

What are some of the characteristics of the fossil of Darwinius masillae that make it such a unique specimen?

Fun Facts

• Extinct: Lived about 47 million years ago in what is now Germany.
• Length: About 2 feet (58 centimeters), including tail.
• Closest living relatives: Primates, possibly the group including tarsiers, New and Old World monkeys, and great apes (including humans)
• Fingers and toes have nails instead of claws.

Is the Darwinius masillae the same as a lemur?

This immature female Darwinius masillae, nicknamed Ida, somewhat resembles lemurs, an early branch of the primate evolutionary tree. Yet this species has many important differences (see Fun Facts), which may link it to another branch of the primate tree–the branch leading to tarsiers, monkeys and apes, including humans.

Where did Darwinius masillae get its name from?

It is the type specimen and the only known example of Darwinius masillae, a species assigned to the adapiform subfamily Cercamoniinae. The specimen, a juvenile female, was named for the daughter of Norwegian paleontologist Jørn Hurum. He was one of the scientists involved in the original description of the specimen.

What can you see in a Darwinius masillae skeleton?

You can see almost every bone in the skeleton, outlines of skin and fur, as well as preserved stomach contents from the young animal’s last meal of fruits and leaves. This immature female Darwinius masillae, nicknamed Ida, somewhat resembles lemurs, an early branch of the primate evolutionary tree.

How is Darwinius masillae related to Godinotia neglecta?

Darwinius masillae is the third primate species to be discovered at the Messel locality that belongs to the cercamoniine adapiforms, in addition to Europolemur koenigswaldi and Europolemur kelleri. Darwinius masillae is similar but not directly related to Godinotia neglecta from Geiseltal.