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Ancient Fossil Reveals Lystrosaurus Laid Soft-Shelled Eggs

4/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Lystrosaurus laid soft-shelled eggs, a conclusion drawn from a 250-million-year-old fossil found in South Africa's Karoo Basin.
The fossil shows a curled-up hatchling.
Researchers used advanced imaging to analyze the fossil.
The incomplete lower jaw shows the hatchling remained inside the egg.
Julien Benoit of the University of Witwatersrand says the discovery enhances understanding of mammalian evolution and adaptability amid climate change and ecological crises.

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Story summary

Lystrosaurus laid soft-shelled eggs, a conclusion drawn from a 250-million-year-old fossil found in South Africa's Karoo Basin.
The fossil shows a curled-up hatchling.
Researchers used advanced imaging to analyze the fossil.
The incomplete lower jaw shows the hatchling remained inside the egg.
Julien Benoit of the University of Witwatersrand says the discovery enhances understanding of mammalian evolution and adaptability amid climate change and ecological crises.