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Ancient reptile fossil reveals earliest breathing system in amniotes

Updated On: 28 April, 2026 08:30 AM IST | Oklahoma City | Agencies

A 289-million-year-old reptile fossil discovered near Richards Spur has provided the earliest known evidence of a breathing system in amniotes. The find offers crucial insight into the evolution of respiration in reptiles, birds, and mammals, helping scientists better understand how modern breathing mechanisms developed

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

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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