"UT Austin Researchers Unveil Ancient Crocodile Ancestor, Garzapelta: The Triassic Tank"
TL;DR
The ancient reptile Garzapelta muelleri, an aetosaur, lived over 200 million years ago and was recently identified after 30 years of being unidentified. Its fossil, found in Texas, is 70% complete and features most of the animal's body, including its shieldlike carapace and bony plates for protection. The creature, resembling a polite crocodile, is a significant find in paleontology and provides valuable insights into the anatomy and evolution of ancient reptiles.
- The Absolute Unit Garzapelta Is Friend-Shaped. Shame It's Dead Gizmodo
- UT Austin researchers identify new crocodile ancestor, Garzapelta | kvue.com KVUE.com
- Tanks of the triassic: New crocodile ancestor identified Phys.org
- Paleontologists Reveal New Species of Ancient Crocodile Was Triassic Tank Newsweek
- Dinosaurs came late, Earth was first ruled by ancient crocodiles India Today
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Gizmodo