China fossil may reveal first amphibian to live entirely at sea 237m years ago
Why This Matters
Key context: A recent discovery of the fossil Gerrothorax maritimus reveals that some ancient amphibians lived completely in marine environments. Dated to approximately 237 million years ago, this species had a flattened body covered in bony armour. The fossils were found in deep-sea sediments, indicating they lived far from landmasses. Geochemical tests confirmed the strontium isotopes matched those in seawater during the Late Triassic period. This development from timesofindia.indiatimes.com highlights ongoing changes in the sector.
A recent discovery of the fossil Gerrothorax maritimus reveals that some ancient amphibians lived completely in marine environments. Dated to approximately 237 million years ago, this species had a flattened body covered in bony armour. The fossils were found in deep-sea sediments, indicating they lived far from landmasses. Geochemical tests confirmed the strontium isotopes matched those in seawater during the Late Triassic period.
Curation & Context
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