Jurassic scene
In recent years many fossils have emerged from sites dating to the Middle-Upper Jurassic Period, about 160 million years ago. In a new study detailed in March 2014 in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, researchers reveal several of these Jurassic sites supported similar species, suggesting they can be recognized as representing a single fossil fauna and flora — now named the Daohugou Biota after a village near one of the major localities in Inner Mongolia, China.
Here, a reconstruction of the Daohugou fauna featuring feathered dinosaurs, pterosaurs, early mammals and amphibians among others.
Early swimming mammal
Castorocauda, a mammal that may have swam using its beaver-like tail during the Jurassic Period, is shown preserved here with "scale-like" skin.
Feathered beast
Among the finds within the Daohugou Biota, dating to the Jurassic, in Mongolia was this feathered dinosaur Epidexipteryx, with inset showing additional feathers and soft tissues revealed by the use of U.V. light.
Jurassic salamander
Found in the Daohugou Biota in Mongolia, the fossil of this salamander Chunerpeton showing not only the preserved skeleton but also the skin and even external gills. The fossil dates back to the Jurassic Period, about 160 million years ago.
Mammals Might Have Soared Before Birds
Reconstruction of the gliding mammal. Credit Chuang Zhao and Lida Xing.
Mammal Swam with Dinosaurs
Illustration of Castorocauda lutrasimilis. The artwork of the reconstructed animal is 50% of actual fossil size.
