The Birth of Mammals
This project makes use of new fossil material from Scotland, and the latest techniques in digital palaeo-histology, to pinpoint the origin of live birth in mammals for the first time.
Last updated: 8 April 2025
About the project
This project makes use of new fossil material from Scotland, and the latest techniques in digital palaeo-histology, to pinpoint the origin of live birth in mammals for the first time. Most mammals today give birth to live young, apart from the monotremes (platypus and echidnas), which lay eggs. The patterns of growth in different types of mammal reflect their birth and growth, and these patterns are visible in the microscopic structures of their bones.
This project will identify patterns in mammal bone structures that are tied to their mode of birthing and raising their young, and use these to examine the fossil record. By doing so, it will be possible to understand when and how live-birth arose in mammals from their egg-laying ancestors.
- Project title
The Birth of Mammals
- Project active
2025 - 2030
- Research theme
Scotland's Material and Natural Heritage
Contributors
Dr Elsa Panciroli – Principal Investigator – National Museums Scotland
Dr Lucas Weaver – University of Michigan
Dr Elis Newham – Queen Mary University of London
Project contact
Dr Elsa Panciroli
Supported by
Natural Sciences news and stories
- Discover
Abernethy Pearl: Scotland's largest freshwater pearl
In 1967, Bill Abernethy was pearl fishing near the River Tay when he came across his rarest and greatest discovery. At a weight of 43.6 grains, the Abernethy Pearl is the largest freshwater pearl found in Scotland in modern history. - Discover
Geology to Jewellery: The history and science of Cairngorm quartz
There is a whole fascinating world of Scottish minerals, reflecting the large variation in the country’s geology and physical landscape.The sheer variety is expressed beautifully by John Ruskin. In 1884 he described Scotland as ‘a country… - Discover
10 species spotted on the grounds of the National Museums Collection Centre
Across our sites, we're working to support the local biodiversity. Here’s a look at just a few of the species that can newly be found at the National Museums Collections centre.