Oldest Tadpole Fossil Unearthed in Argentina Reveals Ancient Frog Evolution and Modern Vulnerability
October 30, 2024A newly discovered frog fossil, identified as the oldest tadpole ever found, dates back between 161 to 168 million years.
This remarkably preserved specimen features imprints of soft tissues, including eyeballs, gills, and nerves.
The tadpole's body structure closely resembles that of modern tadpoles, with spiny gill projections indicating a filter-feeding method for consuming plankton and algae.
Paleontologist Federico Agnolín and his team discovered the fossil by accident while searching for dinosaur fossils in Argentina's Estancia La Matilde.
The remains, found in January 2020, belong to the species Notobatrachus degiustoi and are notable for their size, measuring six inches in length.
The well-preserved fossil suggests the tadpole was close to metamorphosis, indicating it would not grow larger than the adult frogs found in the same quarry.
Notobatrachus degiustoi likely thrived in shallow, seasonal ponds and resembled modern frogs, with adult forms probably being bulky toads that primarily fed on insects.
The study's results, published on October 30, 2024, in the journal Nature, underline the evolutionary stability of the anuran life cycle.
Jodi Rowley from the Australian Museum remarked that the discovery affirms the stability of the typical frog life cycle we learn about today.
This discovery highlights both the evolutionary success of frogs and their current vulnerability to extinction, exacerbated by their reliance on both terrestrial and aquatic environments.
Amphibians, including frogs, are crucial indicator species for their ecosystems, but over 40 percent face extinction today due to various threats including habitat destruction and climate change.
Researcher Mariana Chuliver expresses hope for further funding to search for more tadpole fossils in the La Matilde Formation to enhance the fossil record.
Summary based on 11 sources
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Sources
The New York Times • Oct 30, 2024
Fossil Reveals Oldest Known Tadpole That Grew to the Size of a Hot DogThe Guardian • Oct 30, 2024
Scientists discover oldest ever giant tadpole fossil in ArgentinaAP News • Oct 30, 2024
This ancient tadpole fossil is the oldest ever discoveredABC News • Oct 30, 2024
Researchers uncover world's oldest-known tadpole, a 161-million-year-old giant