Missing link?

A 47 million year-old primate fossil in Germany may be a key link in explaining human evolution. It is of a raccoon-sized female, resembling a lemur, that is said to be "the most complete primate fossil ever found." It has opposable thumbs similar to those of modern-day humans but unlike those of other mammals. It also has fingernails instead of claws, and it might have been able to walk on two legs.

The fossil was discovered by amateur fossil hunters in 1983, at a site where many remains have been found from 50 million years ago. News of it was leaked last week. This newly found specimen is being named Darwinius masillae, and the History channel will air a two-hour documentary entitled The Link, to be shown on May 25.