May 01, 2024
Paleontologists at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, USA, rediscovered the fossil of a 270-million-year-old amphibian at the museum. Paleontologists found the creature’s fossilised skull, which is approximately 2.5cms in length and was first discovered around 40 years ago. The creature belongs to the temnospondyls group and is distantly related to present-day amphibians. However, as most of its features are distinct from other creatures of its group, scientists believe it is a new species. It has been named Kermitopsgratus after Kermit the Frog as the condition of the fossil reminded paleontologists of the famous Muppets character.
DID YOU KNOW?
The South China giant salamander is the world’s largest amphibian and can grow over 5ft long.
Fossil Skull of Kermitops | Image Source: si.edu
