Globe-trotting ancient 'sea-salamander' fossils rediscovered from Australia's dawn of the Age of Dinosaurs
Phys.org
February 23, 2026
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In a groundbreaking discovery, fossils of an ancient "sea-salamander" species have been rediscovered in remote northwestern Australia, offering fresh insights into the early evolution of land-dwelling animals adapting to life in water. These fossils, which had lain forgotten in museum collections for over six decades, belong to a group of amphibians that thrived around 250 million years ago during the dawn of the Age of Dinosaurs. This find provides new clues about the global radiation of ancient marine reptiles and their adaptations to aquatic environments.
The fossils were originally recovered from what was once a lush, shallow bay along the edge of a vast prehistoric ocean, now transformed into scorching desert landscapes. This region, part of the Kunwaragurruwa Formation in Western Australia, was a critical habitat for early marine life during the Early Triassic period. The fossils discovered here reveal details about the anatomy and lifestyle of these ancient amphibians, which were thought to be among the first land animals to transition back into aquatic environments after the mass extinction event at the end of the Permian period.
This discovery is significant because it fills a critical gap in our understanding of early marine reptile evolution. The fossils provide evidence of how these creatures adapted to life in water, including their body structures and possible swimming behaviors. Such findings are particularly valuable for scientists studying the origins of marine ecosystems and the biodiversity explosion that occurred during this pivotal time in Earth's history.
For readers interested in science, this research highlights the importance of revisiting old museum collections, as they often hold treasures that can rewrite our understanding of ancient life. The rediscovery of these fossils not only sheds light on Australia's rich geological past but also underscores the role of paleontology in unraveling the mysteries of evolution and biodiversity.
This study is a testament to how even forgotten specimens can yield groundbreaking insights into the history of
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/23/2026