Scientists discover oldest known fossil tumor

A paleontologist at the University of Washington discovered a benign tumor, known as an ornitoma, in the teeth of a Gorgonopsian, an ancient synapsid that lived 255 million years ago. This finding represents the oldest known instance of such a tumor. Gorgonopsians were top predators and part of the synapsid group, which includes modern mammals as its only living members. The discovery helps fill gaps in understanding mammalian evolution and may provide insights into the origins of modern diseases.

What type of tumor was discovered by the paleontologist at the University of Washington?

How old is the tumor that was found in the teeth of the unearthed animal?

What group of distant mammal relatives does the Gorgonopsian belong to?

What does the discovery of the ornitoma tumor help us understand about mammalian features?

In what way can the findings about the tumor contribute to our understanding of modern diseases?