The ancestor of modern rats (Rugosodon eurasiaticus) was an agile animal and could climb trees and dig tunnels.
The fossil was unearthed in China. It had flexible ankles for tree-climbing and sharp teeth which allowed him to chew both animals and plants.
Researchers from China and the United States said that these skills led to their evolution and diversification into a range of tree-climbing and plant-eating mammals that followed.
Scientists believe that the ancient rat-like rodent originated 160 million years ago during the Jurassic Period.
By the way, here’s a short video for you. My roof rats are back again. The bird feeder is on the second floor. Watch how they climb up the wall. Captured with my Victure Trail Camera
