# Cretaceous Zhelestid Mammals Reclassified as Zalambdalestoids

A new study reclassifies Cretaceous zhelestid mammals as zalambdalestoids, resolving a long-standing taxonomic debate. This finding reshapes our understanding of early mammal evolution and their ecological roles during the Cretaceous period.

**Importance:** 3/5

## Sources

### Science
- [Nature](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-026-10861-5) — 2026-07-29