47-million-year-old human link revealed

47-million-year-old human link revealed

The fossil is believed to be an ancestor of monkeys, humans and other primates.

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhuanet)-- New York Scientists have unveiled the skeleton of what they said could be the common ancestor to primates including humans.

Scientists say the fossil, dubbed "Ida," is a transitional species, living around the time the primate lineage split into two groups: A line that would eventually produce humans, primates and monkeys, and another that would give rise to lemurs and other primates.

"This is the most complete primate fossil before human burial," said Dr. Jorn Hurum, of the Natural History Museum at the University of Oslo, who led the study of the fossil, a young female primate.

A scientific journal reveals that the tiny, monkey-like creature lived 47 million years ago. It had several human characteristics, and scientists say it is going to show us our connection with all the rest of the mammals.

(Agencies + CRI.cn)