Embryo Fossil is ‘Missing Piece of Puzzle’ Thrilling Scientists With World’s Oldest Proof that Mammal Ancestors Laid Eggs
Scientists have discovered a 250-million-year-old embryo fossil of Lystrosaurus, a mammal ancestor, providing evidence that it laid eggs. The finding sheds light on the survival strategies of this species after a mass extinction event.
A team of South African and French researchers has identified an egg containing a Lystrosaurus embryo, dating back 250 million years. This fossil is the first evidence of egg-laying in mammal ancestors. The researchers used advanced synchrotron x-ray CT to analyze the fossil, revealing that the embryo was unable to feed itself. The study suggests that Lystrosaurus laid relatively large, soft-shelled eggs, which would have been resistant to drying out in the harsh environment following a mass extinction event. The findings indicate that Lystrosaurus hatchlings were likely precocial, born at an advanced stage of development, and capable of feeding themselves. This strategy likely contributed to the species' survival and success.
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