REALLY old flying mammal

December 14, 2006

A fossil of the creature, which represents a previously unknown group of mammals, was found in rock beds in northeastern China. Toe bones suggest it was also able to climb trees, critical for a glider to reach heights from which to take off. It had a large skin membrane from its fore to hind limbs which acted like an airfoil during flight. There is also evidence of fur on the membrane and other parts of its body. While a long tail could have acted as a rudder during flight.