Scientists have made an exciting discovery: the oldest known fossilized butthole, dating back nearly 300 million years. This remarkable find was made in the Thuringian Forest in Germany and will be featured in the journal Current Biology.
Lorenzo Marchetti, a paleontologist at the German Natural History Museum, shared that soft-tissue fossils like this one are incredibly rare. The fossil is well-preserved and includes details like belly scales and a cloaca, which is a multi-use opening for excretion and reproduction.
This particular fossil, named Cabarzichnus pulchrus, hails from the early Permian period, around 298 to 299 million years ago. It sets a new record, shattering the previous oldest butthole record of 120 million years, which belonged to a dinosaur called Psittacosaurus.
What’s fascinating is that this small creature, measuring just 3.5 inches long, was part of a critical moment in reptile evolution. It lived during a time when reptiles began to diversify rapidly. Marchetti noted that the shape and orientation of the cloaca closely resemble those of today’s turtles, lizards, and snakes.
This discovery doesn’t just scratch the surface. As Marchetti explained, these impressions reveal detailed anatomical features that help us understand the early development of reptiles and their skin structures.
In today’s social media landscape, such findings often spark humorous reactions and memes. People love to share their thoughts on the “world’s oldest butthole,” blending science with entertainment. It shows how science can connect with everyday life, making complex discoveries relatable and engaging.
Overall, this ancient fossil provides valuable insights not just into one species but the broader narrative of reptilian evolution. As researchers continue to explore our planet’s history, each new discovery, however quirky, helps us piece together the puzzle of life on Earth.
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