Scientists have uncovered a giant extinct species of Platypus in Australia, with powerful teeth and being described by scientists as ‘Godzilla like’.
The new species called Obdurodon tharalkooschild, was identified by a single tooth, which according to scientists though was highly distinctive. Riversleigh, in North-Eastern Queensland, where the fossil was found, is known to be highly rich in fossil deposits.
Mike Archer, Professor at the University of New South Wales, told ABC:
“It pretty well blew our minds. We didn’t expect this. It’s a huge platypus at the wrong time. But there it was,” said Archer of the one-metre (three foot) species.
Modern Platypi are known as a timid species found in Eastern Australia, without any adult teeth, and scientists believe that ‘Platzilla’ is not a direct ancestor.
“Discovery of this new species was a shock to us because prior to this, the fossil record suggested that the evolutionary tree of platypuses was a relatively linear one,” Archer explained in a statement.
“Now we realize that there were unanticipated side branches on this tree, some of which became gigantic.”
Check out the full article here courtesy of Yahoo! News.
