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Ancient Footprints Redefine Reptile Ancestry Timeline by 40 Million Years

5/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A stunning 356-million-year-old rock slab in Australia has unveiled the earliest known clawed footprints, hinting that reptile ancestors emerged 35-40 million years earlier than scientists previously thought. This groundbreaking find reshapes our understanding of amniote origins, highlighting a richer diversity of early tetrapods that thrived during the pivotal shift from water to land.

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Story summary

A stunning 356-million-year-old rock slab in Australia has unveiled the earliest known clawed footprints, hinting that reptile ancestors emerged 35-40 million years earlier than scientists previously thought. This groundbreaking find reshapes our understanding of amniote origins, highlighting a richer diversity of early tetrapods that thrived during the pivotal shift from water to land.