The team said Gaiasia belongs to a family of large-headed swamp-dwelling vertebrates called colosteids.
In Namibia, a team of researchers discovered the fossil of an unknown prehistoric creature. The New York Times reported it.
According to scientists, the creature lived about 280 million years ago at the bottom of swamps and lakes and led a destructive lifestyle, ambushing its prey. The new species is named Gaiasia jennyae.
Scientists also speculate that Gaiasia jennyae may be a descendant of a family thought to have disappeared millions of years ago, specifically swamp vertebrates called colosteids. This family diverged from other land animals long before amphibians, reptiles and mammals appeared. About 400 million years ago, colosteids and other early tetrapods evolved from fish in equatorial forests.
The researchers suggested that the archaic tetrapods disappeared from the equatorial jungles about 307 million years ago and became extinct. However, remains of Gaiasia have been found in rocks dating back 20 million years. This suggests that creatures like Gaiasia jennyae may live in a wider area than previously thought – not just Europe and North America.
Today, Namibia, where the fossils were discovered, is located northwest of South Africa, but about 300 million years ago it was further south and bordered Antarctica. Scientists suggest that when the Ice Age ended, the swamps where Gaiasia lived may have existed alongside the glaciers.
It was previously reported that scientists discovered a fossil of a marine reptile with an age of 246 million years.
Scientists have discovered a new species of fish
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Source: korrespondent
I am Ben Stock, a passionate and experienced digital journalist working in the news industry. At the Buna Times, I write articles covering technology developments and related topics. I strive to provide reliable information that my readers can trust. My research skills are top-notch, as well as my ability to craft engaging stories on timely topics with clarity and accuracy.