Extinct Ice Age Toad Discovered at La Brea Tar Pits Offers New Insights
Researchers at the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles have discovered fossils of an extinct ice age amphibian, the spadefoot toad, named Spea labreae. The fossils, found in a collection from 1929, were overlooked due to their small size. This discovery marks only the second extinct Pleistocene amphibian found in North America. The tar pits, known for preserving large mammal fossils, have now provided a glimpse into the prehistoric climate of Los Angeles through these amphibian remains. The study, led by Dr. J. Alberto Cruz, highlights the importance of revisiting old collections for new scientific insights. 
