Topic: Biology

Scientists have formally identified a giant fossil found hidden inside a retaining wall. The fossil is 240 million years old and belongs to an ancient amphibian.

A team of researchers from UNSW Sydney and the Australian Museum has finally given a name to a fascinating fossil that was discovered decades ago. The fossil, named Arenaerpeton supinatus, or 'supine sand creeper', is exceptionally well-preserved and includes almost the entire skeleton and even faint outlines of the animal's skin.

The discovery began in the 1990s when a retired chicken farmer found some rocks from a nearby quarry that he used to build a garden retaining wall. Among those stones was the fossil, which was later donated to the Australian Museum in Sydney.

Arenaerpeton lived in freshwater environments within what is now the Sydney Basin during the Triassic period, around 240 million years ago. It likely preyed on ancient fish and was quite large, measuring about 1.2m from head to tail.

The fossil's size may have helped it survive for so long. Later temnospondyls continued to exist in Australia for another 120 million years, with some species reaching even greater sizes.

Why It Matters

This discovery is important because it helps us understand the ancient history of our planet and the creatures that lived on it. It also shows how scientists can learn from unexpected sources, like a retaining wall!

Key Facts

• The fossil is 240 million years old and belongs to an ancient amphibian.
• The fossil was discovered in the 1990s by a retired chicken farmer who used rocks from a nearby quarry to build a garden retaining wall.
• The fossil, named Arenaerpeton supinatus, includes almost the entire skeleton and even faint outlines of the animal's skin.
• Arenaerpeton lived in freshwater environments within what is now the Sydney Basin during the Triassic period.
• It likely preyed on ancient fish and was quite large, measuring about 1.2m from head to tail.

Key Terms

Temnospondyls

A group of extinct animals that lived before and during the time of the dinosaurs.

Implications

This discovery is important because it helps us understand the ancient history of our planet and the creatures that lived on it. It also shows how scientists can learn from unexpected sources, like a retaining wall!