ScienceTop StoryTop StoryLatest News
237-Million-Year-Old Fossils Reveal a Bizarre Armored Sea Amphibian
Sentiment: NeutralHigh Priority
What Happened?
Fossils of an ancient amphibian, Gerrothorax maritimus, have been discovered in China. This creature lived in the ocean 237 million years ago, unlike any modern amphibians.
Key points
- Gerrothorax maritimus lived in the ocean during the Late Triassic period.
- The fossils were found in Guizhou Province, China.
- This amphibian measured nearly three feet long and had a broad, flattened body.
- It likely ambushed prey from the seafloor.
- Amphibians today cannot survive in seawater, making this discovery unique.
- The fossils provide evidence of a fully marine lifestyle.
Key insights
- The finding suggests that ancient amphibians may have adapted to marine environments.
- This discovery could change our understanding of amphibian evolution.
- Gerrothorax maritimus may represent a unique evolutionary path for amphibians.
Why it matters
This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of amphibians and their adaptability.
Entities
Gerrothorax maritimus· ProductChina· CountryUniversity of California, Davis· OrganizationPeking University· OrganizationGeological Museum of Guizhou· OrganizationNature Ecology & Evolution· Event
Source
Science Daily
