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Ancient Fossil Reveals Oldest Known Cloaca Impression

2/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

German scientists have identified Cabarzichnus pulchrus, a trace fossil and the oldest known cloaca impression dating to nearly 300 million years ago.
The fossil, found in the Thuringian Forest, is a well-preserved cloaca imprint.
Cabarzichnus pulchrus surpasses the previous record by more than 150 million years.
Researchers say its features resemble those of modern reptiles such as turtles and lizards.
The findings will be published in Current Biology.

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Story summary

German scientists have identified Cabarzichnus pulchrus, a trace fossil and the oldest known cloaca impression dating to nearly 300 million years ago.
The fossil, found in the Thuringian Forest, is a well-preserved cloaca imprint.
Cabarzichnus pulchrus surpasses the previous record by more than 150 million years.
Researchers say its features resemble those of modern reptiles such as turtles and lizards.
The findings will be published in Current Biology.