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Scientists have uncovered the fossil of an elephant thought to
be 19 million years old in southern Japan.
The fossil of the ancient Gomphotherium is the oldest of its kind
ever unearthed in the country.
Scientists found the animal's skull, lower-jaw, molars, ribs and
joints in north-west Kyushu.
The experts will formally announce the find at a meeting of Japan's
Paleontological Society in late January, the Mainichi Daily News
reports.
Researcher Takashige Kono made the find.
Scientists say the discovery will provide them with valuable information
to help trace the ancient history of the elephant.
National Science Museum researcher Naoki Kono says the fossil is
unlike any others previously found in Japan.
"It is unusual in Japan for the skull of a large mammal to
be found intact. We've gained a good quality specimen and we can
say that this is an extremely precious find," the researcher
adds
Posted 10th January 2002
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