– A new species of proto-amphibian named Kermitops gratus, discovered by scientists, lived 270 million years ago
– The fossilized skull of this ancient amphibian was found in the archives of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
– The discovery of Kermitops gratus will help scientists understand the evolution of ancient species and bridge the gap between fossils and modern amphibians
Scientists have discovered a new species of proto-amphibian that lived 270 million years ago, naming it Kermitops gratus after the character Kermit the Frog from “The Muppet Show.” The fossilized skull of this ancient amphibian ancestor was found in the museum’s archives by paleontologists at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. The skull, measuring around an inch long with oval-shaped eye sockets, was originally discovered in Texas in 1984 but was not studied in detail until recently when postdoctoral paleontologist Arjan Mann came across it in 2021.
The researchers determined that Kermitops gratus was a temnospondyl, a type of amphibian resembling a giant toad but with unique features such as shortened eye sockets compared to its elongated snout. The findings were detailed in a study published in the Zoological Journal, where lead author Calvin So highlighted the significance of using the name Kermit to bridge the science of paleontology to the general public, given Kermit the Frog’s status as a modern-day amphibian icon. Scientists hope that studying Kermitops will provide insights into the evolution of ancient amphibian species like frogs and salamanders.
The discovery of Kermitops gratus sheds light on how ancient species evolved and helps scientists better understand early amphibian ancestors. By naming the new species after a beloved pop culture character like Kermit the Frog, researchers hope to engage the public in the study of paleontology and bridge the gap between scientific research and everyday awareness. The unique features of Kermitops offer clues about the development of specialized traits in modern-day amphibians, contributing to the broader understanding of amphibian evolution.