World's Oldest Tadpole Unearthed: A Jurassic Giant
A 161-million-year-old fossilized tadpole discovered in Patagonia has been identified as the oldest known tadpole, predating the previous record-holder by 21 million years. This tadpole, belonging to the species Notobatrachus degiustoi, was unusually large, measuring over six inches, and showed signs of both infancy and adulthood, indicating early metamorphosis in ancient frog ancestors. The discovery highlights the long history of amphibian development and the enduring nature of adolescent awkwardness.
