Revealed at the New York Museum of Natural History, scientists have identified the fossil that may prove to be the “missing link” between humans and other mammals. In other words, the common ancestor of the two main branches of primates – one that contains monkey, apes and humans, and the other which contains lemurs. The young female’s fossilised remains were discovered about 25 years ago in Germany.
Described as the “most complete primate fossil ever found”, her skeleton is 95% complete. Her significance was not at first realised, and she was split into two parts. The parts were eventually reunited and subjected to a two-year investigation by a team led by Jorn Hurum of the University of Oslo.
The lemur-like skeleton has primate features such as clawless digits with nails, opposable thumbs and short limbs. The fossil provides a soft tissue outline and has the remains of her last meal – leaves and fruit. It is also possible to see the outline of her fur.
The fossil has been officially named Darwinius masillae, but nicknamed Ida after the daughter of one of the researchers. She will be the subject of a BBC documentary to be presented by Sir David Attenborough.