Ancient Predator Unveiled: The Prehistoric Giant Salamanderlike Beast

Scientists revealed fossils of a giant salamanderlike predator named Gaiasia jennyae, which dominated waters before the era of dinosaurs. This aggressive predator, larger than a human, lived around 280 million years ago in what is now Namibia, challenging previous beliefs about early tetrapods.

Scientists have unearthed fossils of a giant salamanderlike beast that reigned over ancient waters before dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The predator, equipped with sharp fangs, was larger than a human and used its wide, flat head and front teeth to capture and devour unsuspecting prey. Researchers noted the creature's skull spanned about 2 feet (60 centimeters) in length.

Michael Coates, a biologist at the University of Chicago who was not involved in the research, described the beast's feeding style as akin to 'an aggressive stapler.'

The analysis, based on fossil remnants of four creatures collected a decade ago—including a partial skull and backbone—was published in the journal Nature. Named Gaiasia jennyae, the creature existed some 40 million years before the first dinosaurs. These findings help scientists understand the evolution of tetrapods, early four-limbed animals that later gave rise to amphibians, birds, and mammals, including humans.

Most early tetrapod fossils have been found in prehistoric coal swamps along the ancient equator, but these new fossils, which date back approximately 280 million years, were discovered in modern-day Namibia—once a glaciated region. This suggests tetrapods might have thrived in cooler climates earlier than previously thought, raising new questions about their early history.

According to Claudia Marsicano, co-author and researcher at the University of Buenos Aires, 'The early story of the first tetrapods is much more complex than we thought.'

The name Gaiasia jennyae honors both the Gai-As rock formation in Namibia, where the fossils were discovered, and the late paleontologist Jennifer Clack, renowned for her work on tetrapod evolution.

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