48 Million Year Old Horse-Like Fetus Discovered In Germany

A 48 million year old horse-like fetus was found by researchers in Germany, according to a recent study.

The 12.5 centimeter fetus was found around Frankfurt, Germany in 2000, and was studied by Jens Lorenz Franzen from Senckenberg Research Institute Frankfurt and researchers from Naturhistorisches Museum Basel, Switzerland, according to a news release. 

In their study, the researchers examined the bones and its structure by using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and high resolution micro-x-rays to describe the fetus.

The fetus was well preserved, and most of its bones were present and still intact, with exception of the skull which appeared to be crushed, according to the researchers.

The researchers were able to reconstruct the initial appearance and position of the fetus, since the fossil was well preserved. They found that the fetus died shortly before birth, however, they do not believe that its death was related to the birthing process.

The researchers found soft-like tissues in the fetus, which were also well preserved. They examined the placenta and a broad uterine ligament, which represented the earliest fossil of the reproductive system of an unborn mammal.

The researchers discovered a common type of soft-like tissues which were also found in other specimens from that area. The findings in the fetus correlated significantly with modern mares and the reproductive system was developed in the Paleocene period, about 54 million years ago or earlier. 

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