Giant ancient amphibians swam like modern crocodiles, new study finds.

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Source: Phys.org
Giant ancient amphibians swam like modern crocodiles, new study finds.
Photo: Phys.org
TL;DR

Researchers have discovered trace fossils of rhinesuchid temnospondyls, large predatory amphibians that lived over 250 million years ago in South Africa. The fossils indicate that these 2-meter-long amphibians swam like crocodiles, using continuous side-to-side tail motions and tucking their legs against their bodies while swimming. The fossils provide insight into the locomotion and behavior of these ancient animals and contribute to our understanding of ecosystems during the Permian Period.

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