Science

Armored amphibian lived entirely at sea 237 million years ago, fossils suggest

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 26/10/2026, 16:10:24 UTC.

Briefings

A study from UC Davis, Peking University, and the Geological Museum of Guizhou reports fossil evidence of the first fully marine amphibian, named Gerrothorax maritimus. This armored, giant salamander-sized creature lived entirely at sea approximately 237 million years ago. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about amphibian evolution by confirming a lineage that adapted completely to marine environments.

Key points

• The first fully marine amphibian was named Gerrothorax maritimus based on fossil evidence.
• This creature lived entirely at sea approximately 237 million years ago.

Context

Researchers from UC Davis, Peking University, and the Geological Museum of Guizhou analyzed fossil specimens to identify a new amphibian lineage. This finding is significant as it confirms a marine adaptation in early amphibians, expanding the known evolutionary history of the group.

Limitations

The evidence is limited to fossil specimens from the University of California, Davis, Peking University, and the Geological Museum of Guizhou. The exact geological context and preservation conditions of the fossils are not detailed in the provided source.

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