In a surprising discovery, researchers unearthed a 3D fragment of fossilized skin that is approximately 286 million years old. This is at least 21 million years older than known skin fossils.
this ancient skinThis leather, which adorned reptiles from the early Paleozoic era, boasts a unique pebble-like texture and bears a striking resemblance to modern crocodile skin.
The discovery represents the oldest known example of preserved epidermis from a terrestrial reptile, bird, or mammal. This highlights the evolutionary importance of the outermost skin layer in adapting to life on land.
The fossilized skin, along with other specimens, was extracted from the Richards Spur limestone cave system in Oklahoma, known for its unique preservation conditions.
Ethan Mooney, paleontology graduate student University of Toronto and the study’s lead author expressed excitement.
“Every once in a while, we have a special opportunity to glimpse deep time,” Mooney said. “Discoveries of this kind can really enrich our understanding and appreciation of these pioneering animals.”
Fossilized skin is rare
This discovery is particularly important because soft tissue fossilization is rare. Researchers believe a combination of fine clay deposits, oil seepage, and an oxygen-poor cave environment are to blame. Richards Spar It played an important role in protecting the skin.
“Animals would have fallen into this cave system during the early Permian period and would have been buried in very fine clay deposits, slowing down the process of decomposition,” Mooney elaborates.
“What is surprising, however, is that this cave system was also the site of an active oil seepage during the Permian, and the interaction of the hydrocarbons in the oil with the tar is likely what enabled the preservation of this surface. is.”
small size, big science
Despite its small size, smaller than a fingernail, the fossilized skin revealed detailed epidermal tissue upon microscopic examination by co-author Tee Maho. University of Toronto Mississauga.
These tissues are characteristic of amniotes, a group of terrestrial vertebrates including reptiles, birds, and mammals that evolved from amphibian ancestors during the Carboniferous period.
“What we saw was completely different from what we expected, so we were completely shocked,” Mooney says.
“Finding ancient skin fossils like this is a unique opportunity to peer into the past and learn what the skin of these early animals looked like.”
Prehistoric time capsule inside fossilized skin
Features of the fossilized skin included a pebble-like surface similar to the skin of a crocodile and hinged areas between scales reminiscent of a snake or a water-eared lizard.
These distinct features suggest similarities to both ancient and modern reptiles. However, the exact species and body region of the skin remain unknown due to the absence of an associated skeleton.
This similarity highlights the evolutionary importance of such skin structures for survival in terrestrial environments.
“The epidermis was an important feature for vertebrates to survive on land,” Mooney said. “This is an important barrier between internal processes and the harsh external environment.”
The researchers hypothesize that this skin represents an ancestral structure in early amniote land vertebrates, paving the way for the evolution of feathers in birds and hair follicles in mammals.
Richards Spur Cave System
Bill and Julie May, longtime paleontology enthusiasts, collected fossil skins and other specimens at Richards Spur.
The unique conditions of this limestone cave system in Oklahoma preserve many of the earliest examples of early land animals.
These specimens are now Royal Ontario Museumprovides valuable insight into the ancient world and its inhabitants.
In summary, this fossilized skin discovery provides a deep glimpse into the ancient world of terrestrial vertebrates.
Through passionate efforts and thorough research, scientists and paleontology enthusiasts alike are adding valuable knowledge to our collective understanding of the rich tapestry of life that has inhabited Earth for millions of years. Contributing.
The entire study was published in the journal current biology.
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