"Discovery of 290-Million-Year-Old Reptile Skin Fossil in Oklahoma Cave"
Paleontologists have discovered a 290 million-year-old skin fossil in an Oklahoma cave, making it the earliest known example of a fossil from an amniote. The fossil is believed to have come from a reptile with a rough skin surface similar to that of a crocodilian animal. The discovery is significant for understanding the evolutionary history of animals, as skin fossils are rare due to their fragility. The cave's unique conditions, including soft sediment and a lack of oxygen, contributed to the preservation of the skin fossil. Although no nearby skeleton was found, the discovery provides valuable insights into prehistoric life.