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.

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