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Fossil Analysis Reveals Semi-Aquatic Origins of Monotremes, Redefining Evolutionary History

New research confirms that early monotremes like Kryoryctes cadburyi were semi-aquatic, with echidnas undergoing a rare evolutionary shift back to land.

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A team of scientists believe many of the echidna's unusual traits were first developed millions of years ago when its ancestors splashed through the water
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Overview

  • A 108-million-year-old humerus fossil from Kryoryctes cadburyi shows dense, platypus-like bone microstructure, indicating a semi-aquatic lifestyle.
  • This discovery overturns the long-held view that monotremes evolved from terrestrial ancestors, suggesting a water-dwelling common ancestor for echidnas and platypuses.
  • Echidnas represent a rare evolutionary reversal among mammals, transitioning from a semi-aquatic to a terrestrial lifestyle over time.
  • Modern echidnas retain traits hinting at their aquatic ancestry, including electroreceptive beaks, backward-turned hind feet, and elevated myoglobin levels for oxygen storage.
  • Researchers plan further studies using advanced imaging techniques and new fossil excavations at Lightning Ridge, NSW, to better understand monotreme evolution.