Ancient fossil reveals mammal's tree-dwelling lifestyle and diet

A 62-million-year-old fossil of Mixodectes has provided new insights into its lifestyle and diet. This mammal was tree-dwelling, weighed about 3 pounds, and primarily ate leaves, with adaptations for clinging to branches. The study reveals that Mixodectes had unique molar teeth for breaking down tough plant materials. While it was omnivorous, leaves made up most of its diet. This discovery sheds light on the ecological diversification of placental mammals after the dinosaurs' extinction, according to the study's lead author, Stephen Chester.