Chemnitz (dpa / sn) - Scientists have researched a 291-million-year-old amphibian from the Petrified Forest of Chemnitz. The city of Chemnitz said on Thursday that the newly discovered species was a roof skull with sturdy hind legs and a large skull plate. The anatomical features of the insectivorous amphibian therefore differ from all comparable forms that have been known so far.
It was a rather passive predator: "The animal caught insects, centipedes and other arthropods with its explosively extendable, sticky tongue," the city said. The fossil was discovered during excavations between 2008 and 2011 in Chemnitz. Researchers from Chemnitz, Schleusingen, Freiberg and Berlin then examined it.
According to the information, the original find can be seen in the permanent exhibition of the Museum of Natural History in Chemnitz from Friday until August 30th. The Petrified Forest of Chemnitz is an important paleobotanical fossil site.
