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Ancient Claw Tracks in Australia Rewrite Evolutionary Timeline

Canberra, Australia

May 16, 2025 (Updated: February 04, 2026) 1 Positive General

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Melbourne, Australia: A team of paleontologists uncovered 354- to 358-million-year-old footprints near Melbourne that predate all previously known reptile-like tracks by several dozen million years. The distinctive claw marks suggest that creatures with fully formed digits roamed the earth far earlier than once believed, challenging established theories on when amniotes—ancestors of reptiles, birds, and mammals—evolved to navigate hard, rocky terrain. Previously, the earliest claw-bearing footprints were found in Canada, dating to around 318 million years ago. The discovery of these older Australian tracks could mean that crucial transitions from aquatic to terrestrial life occurred in the ancient southern supercontinent of Gondwana.

What this means for you:

•	If you’re fascinated by evolution, this finding underscores how new fossil evidence can upend standard textbooks.
•	The study also shows how cutting-edge analysis (like high-resolution imaging) can reveal fine details—like claw tips—critical for understanding how ancient animals adapted.
•	Geotourism might get a boost around these Australian dig sites. Such destinations often open to visitors, promoting local economies and scientific awareness.

Key Entities

• Paleontologists from Multiple Universities: Research teams specializing in Devonian to Carboniferous-era fossils.
• Gondwana: An ancient supercontinent in the Southern Hemisphere that included present-day Australia, Africa, South America, and Antarctica.
• Australian Government Heritage Departments: Authorities overseeing fossil protection and excavation permits.

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