What is the story about?
What's Happening?
A fossil of a reptilian creature, Agriodontosaurus helsbypetrae, has been discovered in Devon, UK, dating back over 240 million years, making it the oldest known lepidosaur. This discovery surpasses the previous record held by Wirtembergia. The fossil, classified as Rhynchocephalian, reveals unexpected features, such as large triangular teeth and a lack of a skull hinge, challenging existing theories about early lepidosaur evolution.
Why It's Important?
This discovery provides crucial insights into the evolutionary history of lepidosaurs, a group that includes modern lizards and snakes. It highlights the diversity and complexity of ancient reptilian life, offering a new perspective on the evolutionary pathways that led to present-day species. The findings could influence future paleontological research and understanding of reptilian ancestry, potentially leading to revisions in the evolutionary timeline.
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