Abraham and the Adalatherium

Like a recently found fossil on Madagascar, our ancient ancestor Abraham is a game-changer in the evolution of our faith.

“Crazy beast.”

Sixty-six million years ago, this mammal lived in the Southern Hemisphere. Paleontologists are excited about it because it helps fill some gaps in the evolution of mammals. Found on the island country of Madagascar, this critter is an important ancient ancestor, one who walked the Earth in the time of the dinosaurs.

The fossil is a “game-changer,” according to paleontologist Patrick M. O’Connor. Its official name is “Adalatherium,” which literally means “crazy beast.” But what is so crazy about it? Its forelimbs sit close together, like kitten legs. The hind legs are splayed like a bodybuilder’s squat. The animal had ever-growing front teeth and weird back teeth that look like they arrived from outer space. Its skull is unique, with a mysterious hole above its snout. That’s a strange fusion of odd traits, isn’t it? No wonder it is called “crazy beast.”

Adalatherium is special because...