These extinct creatures existed long before crocodiles and were up to 2 meters long.
Scientists have uncovered details about the giant amphibians that lived on Earth approximately 250 million years ago .long before modern crocodiles existed.Scientists from the University of the Witwatersrand identified this large predatory amphibian asThe team studied an "exceptional set of trace fossils" for this study, which provided unique insights into the movement of these animals. Before this research, scientists mainly documented these amphibians using skeletal remains.
The researchers examined seven body impressions that revealed the animal's resting position as well as the number of tail marks that suggested swimming movement. The team surmised that one or two creatures were swimming from one resting spot to another, possibly searching for food.The examination of these impressions resulted in the identification of this species. Several characteristics led them to believe that the creatures resembled crocodiles or giant salamanders.
The first clue was derived from the curved shape of the tail marks. This means that animals used to set in motion through the help of continuous side-to-side tail motions, just like modern crocodiles and salamanders. Another characteristic suggests that they tucked their legs against their bodies while swimming, which is also similar to modern crocodiles.“The findings of the study are significant because they help to fill in gaps in our knowledge of these ancient animals.
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