Tiny fossils reveal backstory of the most mysterious amphibian alive
June 19, 2017
Chinlestegophis jenkinsi was a tiny subterranean carnivore and is an ancient relative of frogs and salamanders. Credit: Jorge Gonzalez
Researchers have determined that the fossils of an extinct species from the Triassic Period are the long-missing link that connects Kermit the Frog's amphibian brethren to wormlike creatures with a backbone and two rows of sharp teeth.
Named Chinlestegophis jenkinsi, the newfound fossil is the oldest relative of the most mysterious group of amphibians: caecilians. Today, these limbless, colorful serpentine carnivores live underground and range in size from 6 inches to 5 feet.
Read more at:
https://phys.org/news/2017-06-tiny-fossils-reveal-backstory-mysterious.html#jCp
