Lizard-Like Species That Lived 247 Million Years Ago In Australia Discovered
NDTV
The fossil's impression encompasses an "nearly complete skeleton", something that is exceedingly rare, said scientists.
A new amphibian species that thrived in Australia approximately 247 million years ago has been identified by researchers, the BBC said in a report. The finding brings an end to a puzzling enigma that has captivated the scientific community since the 1990s. The remains of this creature were discovered as fossilised remnants by a retired poultry farmer in New South Wales, the outlet further said. Globally, less than 10 fossils of this species, which looks like lizard, have been identified.
Experts say that this discovery could potentially revolutionise the understanding of amphibian evolution within Australia.
The extraordinary fossil was uncovered by Mihail Mihaildis nearly three decades ago in Umina, situated about 90-minute drive north of Sydney. It was found when Mr Mihaildis was repairing a fractured garden wall at his residence. He obtained a 1.6-ton sandstone slab to repair the wall, and as he carved through the stone's outer layers, the preserved outline of an unfamiliar creature emerged.
