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 revealed a previously unknown species of giant salamander.
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The brief
Researchers have identified a new species of giant salamander based on fossils found in Japan. The discovery centers on a vertebra with unique characteristics, as well as three bones that had been recovered decades ago.
Coverage from SciTechDaily, Sci.News, and WION emphasizes that the creature represents a lost lineage. CPG Click Oil and Gas notes that the find helps fill an evolutionary gap spanning over 20 million years.
Future developments may include the revision of other bones currently preserved in museums, according to reports from CPG Click Oil and Gas.
Synthesized by Archynetys from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 1h ago.
Quick answers
How old is the fossil discovery?
The fossil is 3.5 million years old.
What specifically led to the identification of the new species?
The identification was made possible by a vertebra with unique characteristics and three bones found decades ago.
What is the scientific significance of this find?
The discovery reveals a lost lineage and fills an evolutionary gap of over 20 million years.
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 · 1d ago
- Three bones found in Japan decades ago have revealed a giant salamander unlike any known species The Times of India · 1d ago
- 3.5-Million-Year-Old Fossil from Japan Reveals Lost Lineage of Giant Salamanders Sci.News · 1d ago
- Mystery Bones Found in Japan Belong to a Giant Salamander Unlike Any Known SciTechDaily · 1d ago
- 3.5-million-year-old mystery creature found in Japan is a 'giant' never seen before WION · 1d ago
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