Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Scientists have confirmed the existence of a rare species of animal, predating dinosaurs, known as aetosaurs, which were heavily armoured relatives of modern crocodiles.
A recent study focused on the intact suit of armour of aetosaurs sheds light on these ancient creatures, providing new details about their anatomy and evolution, according to a report published in The Anatomical Record.
Researchers, led by William Reyes from UT Jackson School of Geosciences, identified the specimen as a new aetosaur species named Garzapelta muelleri, recognizing its origin in Garza County, Texas. They went extinct 200 million years ago.
The bony plates of Garzapelta are embedded directly in the skin, forming a mosaic-like suit of armour that provided protection from predators, with curved spikes flanking its sides.
Garzapelta's spikes, resembling those of another aetosaur species, illustrate convergent evolution, where similar traits arise independently, complicating its placement in the evolutionary tree.
Researchers faced challenges in classifying Garzapelta due to variations in its armour emphasis, with different parts resembling distinct species.
The discovery highlights the complexity introduced by convergent evolution, emphasizing the intricate nature of evolutionary research.
Aetosaur fossils have been found on every continent except Antarctica and Australia, indicating their widespread presence in ancient ecosystems.