In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have unveiled the remarkable adaptation of a half-tonne amphibian, Metoposaurus diagnosticus, which survived ancient droughts 230 million years ago by seeking refuge in underground havens.
Metoposaurus diagnosticus, weighing half a tonne and measuring 10 feet long, inhabited an environment with only two seasons: wet and dry. Faced with an exceptionally long dry season 230 million years ago, the species demonstrated an extraordinary response by burrowing underground and entering a dormant state.
This unique behavior was recently discovered by Dorota Konietzko-Meier of the University of Opole in Poland and the University of Bonn in Germany, along with Martin Sander, also from the University of Bonn.
Their study, published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, examined the overall structure and microscopic details of Metoposaurus bones.
The features of Metoposaurus diagnosticus, including its broad, flat head, arm bones, wide hands, and large tail, led researchers to conclude that the species swam in lakes during the wet season.
However, during the prolonged dry season, the amphibian exhibited a drastic shift in behavior, burrowing underground and going dormant to survive harsh conditions.
The study analyzed cross-sections of Metoposaurus bones, revealing growth rings similar to tree rings, known as annuli.
Unlike other early amphibians where one annulus typically represents a wet season followed by a dry season, Metoposaurus exhibited a prolonged period of slow growth followed by a cessation of growth during the dry season.
The findings suggest a two-seasonal climate for Metoposaurus, with a short, favorable wet season and a long, challenging dry season. The species’ adaptation to burrow underground and enter a dormant state during extreme conditions provides valuable insights into the resilience and survival strategies of prehistoric amphibians.
The study emphasizes the importance of studying fossilized trackways to unravel the mysteries of Earth’s ancient inhabitants and their ability to cope with climatic challenges.
