Ancient reptile fossil reveals earliest breathing system in amniotes

An artist’s impression of the reptile. PIC COURTESY/Dr Michael DeBraga

A small, mummified reptile that died in an Oklahoma cave around 289 million years ago has revealed the earliest known example of breathing system in amniotes - a group that includes reptiles, birds, mammals, and their shared ancestors.

The fossil was discovered in cave systems near Richards Spur, Oklahoma, a site known for its exceptional record of late Paleozoic life.

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