Earliest Living Human Ancestor Identified - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

GAINSVILLE, Fla. - Scientists at the University of Florida say they've uncovered man's oldest living ancestor.  But it might not be what you think.

Researchers say the rat-sized mammal has many characteristics of humans, except for a long tail.

The animal's anatomy isn't similar to present-day rodents, but has more in common with such varies species as whale, ant eaters and humans.

Researchers say the new findings give them a new understanding of how major change affects the course of history.

Whereas it was previously believed that fossil primates like lemurs monkeys and humans stayed consistent after the extinction of dinosaurs, the new developments prove that the group diversified widely after the extinction.