Missing Link? 47 Million-Year-Old Fossil Unveiled

A 47 million-year-old fossil may bridge the gap between early primates and humans, and it's right here in New York City.

Scientists believe the newly unveiled fossil links primate groups and provides evidence of human evolution. After all these years, Ida is finally getting some respect.

"Ida is a lost arc of paleontology and the ramifications of this discovery may reverberate for years to come," History Channel spokeswoman Nancy Dubuc said.

Norwegian paleontologist Jørn Hurum took it a step further.

"This is the first link to all humans ... truly a fossil that links world heritage," he told msn.com.

The type of transitional species Charles Darwin discussed in his theory of evolution, Ida's opposable big toes, fingernails and toenails -- instead of claws -- link her to humans. Ida's rollout coincides with a History Channel documentary called "The Link."

The film explains how an amateur fossil finder discovered Ida at the bottom of a lake in Germany about 25 years ago. Until recently, the fossil stayed with private collectors until it was sold at a fossil and mineral show.

Fossil experts said they believe Ida measured about 3 feet in length. X-rays reveal that a broken wrist may have led to her death.

The real Ida will only be in New York a few more days, but an identical cast will be on display after that at the Museum of Natural History.

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