3.5-million-year-old mystery creature found in Japan is a 'giant' never seen before
A 3.5-million-year-old fossil discovery in Japan has confirmed the existence of a previously unknown species of giant salamander.
Where it stands
The discovery provides evidence of a lost lineage within the evolutionary history of these amphibians. Coverage from outlets including CPG Click Oil and Gas, The Times of India, Sci.News, SciTechDaily, and WION highlights that the specimen helps bridge an evolutionary gap spanning over 20 million years.
Reports note that the unique characteristics of the bone suggest the creature represents a species distinct from any previously cataloged giant salamander. The scientific community is now looking toward the potential re-examination of other fossilized bones currently held in museum collections.
Coverage does not yet specify the timeline for further analysis or the formal naming process for the new species.
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Answered
How old is the fossil?
The fossil is estimated to be 3.5 million years old.
Where were these bones found?
The bones were found in Japan decades ago.
Why is this discovery significant?
It helps fill a 20-million-year evolutionary gap and may lead to the reclassification of other museum specimens.
Coverage (5)
- A giant salamander fossil held a surprise in Japan: a vertebra with unique characteristics reveals a new species, helps fill an evolutionary gap of over 20 million years, and may lead to the revision of other bones preserved in museums. CPG Click Oil and Gas · 47d ago
- Three bones found in Japan decades ago have revealed a giant salamander unlike any known species The Times of India · 47d ago
- 3.5-Million-Year-Old Fossil from Japan Reveals Lost Lineage of Giant Salamanders Sci.News · 47d ago
- Mystery Bones Found in Japan Belong to a Giant Salamander Unlike Any Known SciTechDaily · 47d ago
- 3.5-million-year-old mystery creature found in Japan is a 'giant' never seen before WION · 47d ago
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