Strange mammal ancestor laid huge, leathery eggs — and it was key to surviving the world's worst mass extinction
This image was generated by AI and may not depict real events.
Researchers have discovered a 250 million-year-old fossilized egg from a mammal ancestor, providing evidence that mammals' ancestors laid eggs. The finding helps understand how these animals survived the Permian-Triassic extinction, also known as the Great Dying, which occurred around 252 million years ago.
A 250 million-year-old fossilized egg has been found in South Africa. The egg contains a curled-up embryo of the plant-eating animal Lystrosaurus. This discovery proves that mammals' ancestors laid eggs. The egg is significant as it helps understand how these animals survived the Permian-Triassic extinction. The Lystrosaurus was a mammal-like reptile that lived around 272-250 million years ago. It had a pig-like appearance with naked skin and two tusks.
This content was automatically generated and/or translated by AI. It may contain inaccuracies. Please refer to the original sources for verification.