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Smithsonian National Museum Of Natural History

All articles tagged with #smithsonian national museum of natural history

paleontology1 year ago

"Kermit the Frog-Inspired Fossil Unlocks Amphibian Evolution Puzzle"

A newly described species of proto-amphibian, named Kermitops gratus after Kermit the Frog, has been discovered by paleontologists at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. The fossilized skull, resembling a "stout salamander" with a "cartoonishly wide-eyed face," was found in the museum's archives and is thought to be a distant relative of modern amphibians. This finding could provide insights into the evolution of amphibians and their common ancestors, shedding light on how frogs and salamanders developed specialized traits.

paleontology1 year ago

"Kermit the Frog Inspires Naming of 270-Million-Year-Old Fossilized Amphibian Skull"

Paleontologists at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History have identified a new prehistoric amphibian species, Kermitops gratus, named after Kermit the Frog, with a 270 million-year-old fossilized skull featuring wide eyes and a cartoonish grin. The discovery could provide insights into the complex evolution of modern amphibians, shedding light on the origins of frogs and salamanders. The fossil's mix of modern and prehistoric traits suggests a complex evolutionary history, and its small size may help explain the evolution of small-bodied amphibians. This finding underscores the significance of studying museum collections of prehistoric fossils for understanding Earth's history.