‘Jurassic beaver’ changing scientists’ view of early mammals

A ‘JURASSIC beaver’ that was paddling around before the hey-day of the dinosaurs is changing scientists’ view of early mammals.

Well-preserved fossil remains of the creature, which lived 164 million years ago, were discovered in China.

Like modern beavers, the animal had fur, a broad scaly tail and webbed feet. It also had forelimbs adapted both for burrowing and swimming, and seal-like teeth designed for eating fish.