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Two newfound species of crocodile-like amphibians that lived more than 250 million years ago in desert conditions suggest the animal world was more diverse back then than thought.

The findings may also represent some of the first examples of animal evolution driven by differences in climate.

The species, named Nigerpeton and Saharastega, were found in the Saharan Desert. The region was dry back when the animals were alive, too, but since they were amphibians -- something like giant salamanders -- some water must have been present.

In appearance and behavior, Nigerpeton and Saharastega resembled crocodiles, which are reptiles. Understandably, the croc's body type and predatorial approach seems to have been quite popular, even if you were an amphibian.

"Several fossil groups have converged on the 'crocodilian' body form, as it's well-suited to an amphibious lifestyle," said study leader Christian Sidor of the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.

The discoveries will be detailed in the April 14 issue of the journal Nature.

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Live and Leyrn, is what I say.

lacertus fascisti

The world anxiously awaits the extinction of this specie.

[ 13 April 2005: Message edited by: maestro ]

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Two new prehistoric crocodile species found

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