New species of proto-amphibian described by students, named in honor of their mothers
Around 309 million years ago, long before the dinosaurs, the area around Chicago was a swampy river delta swarming with early land-dwelling animals, giant insects and strange swimming animals. What was once a hotbed for new forms of life to flourish and evolve has become one of today's richest Carboniferous period fossil deposits. Two student scientists from the Field Museum have just described…
Around 309 million years ago, near the present-day location of Chicago, a swampy river delta teemed with early land-dwelling creatures, gigantic insects, and peculiar swimming animals. This area, now a prime fossil site from the Carboniferous period, is renowned for its exceptional preservation of soft tissues and fine details. Two student scientists from the Field Museum have discovered and described a previously unknown species of proto-amphibian, christening it Jeanerpeton mazonensis, in honor of their mothers, both named Jean.
This species, an early ancestor of modern amphibians, is distinguished by its squat, chubby physique reminiscent of a frog. The Mazon Creek location's rapid sediment deposition after dead organisms' demise made it an ideal setting for fossilization. The fossil reveals features like scales, belly ribs, and eye impressions, offering valuable insights into the anatomy of early amphibians.
Previously lumped into a general category known as Amphibamus grandiceps, Jeanerpeton mazonensis is now recognized as a distinct species with unique anatomical characteristics. This new species contributes significantly to our understanding of the biodiversity that existed in Illinois over 300 million years ago.
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