Modern technology has helped scientists to restore the appearance of one of the first land creatures on Earth. Researchers from the University of Bristol and University College London (UK) have digitally reconstructed the skull of an amphibian that lived 340 million years ago, according to the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
The fossilized bones of Whatcheeria deltae were found in Iowa in 1995. But until recently, paleontologists knew very little about this creature. The remains were compressed and deformed, which made it difficult to restore their vital form.
The authors of the new study performed computed tomography of the bones and created their exact digital copies. Special software has separated each bone from the surrounding breed. The digital bones were then rebuilt and reassembled into a 3D model.
The results showed that Whatcheeria deltae had a tall and narrow skull, quite unlike other early tetrapods. Its structure has been adapted for hunting large prey.
Whatcheeria deltae bit the victim with its large front canines, and its bones were strong enough to withstand the resulting stress. Scientists have suggested that he spent most of his time in the water, like modern crocodiles.
Scientists noted that tetrapods evolved from lobe-finned fish in the Middle Devonian, which began 419 million years ago. Whatcheeria deltae is one of the earliest known examples of this class. It dates back to the time when one lineage evolved into another, and therefore is of particular interest to study.
Earlier it was reported that scientists have found fossils of the oldest animals on Earth. They are over 600 million years old.
