The Economic Times

In 1948, scientists abandoned this giant fossil. Nearly 80 years later, it became something nobody expected

Scientists identified a new species of ancient amphibian-like creature from an Arctic fossil. This previously unknown creature, Arctobatrachus urdensis, was a giant plagiosaurid measuring 2.7 meters. The fossil, discovered on Bjornoya, was lost for decades before its rediscovery and eventual study. Its broad skull and large size suggest it was an active predator in Triassic waters. This significant find offers clues into the evolution of these ancient aquatic animals.