Dense Bones Helped This 225-Million-Year-Old Ancient Amphibian To Sink

Scientists show that heavy bones helped a bottom-dwelling amphibian lurk at the bed of ancient lakes.

By Sam Walters
Oct 3, 2022 8:15 PMOct 3, 2022 8:14 PM
Bottom of Lake
(Credit: Rostislav Stefanek/Shutterstock)

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Any animal that wants to prowl at the bottom of a body of water needs the skills to sink. And according to a study in the Journal of Anatomy, Metoposaurus krasiejowensis — a sizable amphibian species from over 200 million years ago — acquired those skills all thanks to their substantial shoulder bones.

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