News by Levels · Level 1 · Student worksheet

Ancient Rodent May Have Weighed 30 Kilograms

In this lesson: Identify the fossil evidence and the difference between approximate and exact weight.

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the story

Researchers found fossil teeth from a giant rodent in southern Thailand. The animal lived about 34 million years ago, McGill reported on November 10.

They estimate it weighed around 30 kilograms. The teeth do not reveal its exact weight.

Source: McGill University, 2026-11-10. https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/giant-prehistoric-rodent-fossils-discovered-southern-thailand-375555

Read and practise

1. What fossils did researchers find?

   1. Preserved fur
   2. Teeth
   3. A complete skeleton

2. What do the teeth not reveal?

   1. The exact weight
   2. That the animal had teeth
   3. That the fossils came from Thailand

Your turn

Explain what was found and how heavy the animal may have been.

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Read online: https://newsbylevels.com/news/thailand-yakamys-giant-rodent-fossils-november-2026/level-1/