A Shocking Discovery at Durlston Bay

In an astonishing turn of events, a 22-year-old paleontology student from the University of Portsmouth, Benjamin Weston, has made a groundbreaking discovery—unearthing a brand new species estimated to be 145 million years old! This ancient mammal lived during the time of the dinosaurs, and its revelation sheds light on the diversity of early mammal life.

Unveiling the Multituberculate Marvel

Weston stumbled upon the fossilized lower jaw while conducting field research on the cliffs of Durlston Bay near Swanage, Dorset. The jaw, measuring just 16.5 mm, belongs to a wholly new species of multituberculate, an extinct group recognizable by their unique tooth structures.

What sets this jaw apart? The presence of a long, pointed incisor followed by a set of four razor-sharp premolars—making it a fascinating relic reminiscent of a rabbit's jaw yet distinctly marked by multituberculate traits.

A Landmark Find After Decades

Published in the *Proceedings of the Geologists' Association*, this jaw is the first multituberculate find at Swanage since the Victorian era, marking a significant milestone in paleontological discoveries.

Weston's Journey into Paleontology

"The moment I discovered the jaw, I had a hunch about its significance. I never anticipated that it would lead to such an extraordinary journey into paleontology," Weston exclaimed, expressing gratitude to his research team and university for their support.

Collaborative Efforts Unlock Fossil Secrets

Renowned paleontology experts Dr. Roy Smith and Emeritus Professor David Martill guided Weston through this remarkable process. They partnered with Dr. Steve Sweetman, a specialist in early Cretaceous fossils, ensuring that the research was handled with utmost expertise.

High-Tech Imaging Reveals Hidden Details

Due to the fossil's delicate nature, traditional methods posed challenges, but the University’s advanced CT scanning technology was a game-changer. Dr. Charles Wood utilized this technology to reveal the intricate details of the fossil encased in rock.

Jake Keane, a former student who now operates in Abu Dhabi, further processed the scans, meticulously isolating the jaw’s teeth through "digital dental surgery." 3D replicas magnified tenfold were created to facilitate careful study without risking damage to the original.

Meet Novaculadon mirabilis

The newly identified species has been fittingly named *Novaculadon mirabilis*, with "novacula" underscoring its razor-like teeth, and "mirabilis" highlighting the remarkable preservation of the fossil.

Illustrations by fellow paleontology student Hamzah Imran depict this newly discovered creature as a small, furry organism adorned with potential stripes and spots, offering a glimpse into its life. Fossil evidence indicates *Novaculadon mirabilis* was omnivorous, likely snacking on small invertebrates like worms and insects, showcasing a feeding strategy distinct from today’s rodents.

Teamwork Celebrated in Discovery

Emeritus Professor Martill highlighted the collective effort that this discovery entailed, celebrating the teamwork among current and former university members in bringing this mammal to light.

Flashback to the Age of Dinosaurs

This groundbreaking find illustrates how early mammals thrived in ecological niches amidst the towering dominance of dinosaurs. Though multituberculates survived the catastrophic extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs, they eventually vanished around 33 million years ago.

The Marvelous Multituberculata

Multituberculata stands out as the most diverse order of Mesozoic mammals, with over 200 known species varying from mouse-sized critters to beaver-like giants. Their evolutionary journey spanned 130 million years, showing their adaptability to various habitats.

A Bright Future for Paleontology at Portsmouth

This discovery not only enhances the University of Portsmouth's reputation in paleontological research but also emphasizes the crucial role of undergraduate fieldwork in expanding scientific knowledge. Students enrolled in the BSc (Hons) Palaeontology program gain invaluable hands-on experience—thanks to the university's location by the famous "Dinosaur Island"—participating in field trips to renowned fossil sites that deepen their understanding and passion for the field.