Scientists discover in China an amphibian from the dinosaur era that achieved the impossible: living in the sea 237 million years ago

A recent discovery of the Gerrothorax maritimus, an ancient amphibian, suggests it was the first fully marine amphibian, challenging previous beliefs about amphibian evolution. Found in China, its fossils indicate it lived in the ocean 237 million years ago. This creature had a bony armor that protected it from predators and possibly helped it retain water in a saline environment. Its unique adaptations allowed it to thrive in marine conditions, although it did not leave direct descendants. The study highlights the evolutionary versatility of ancient amphibians and raises questions about their reproductive adaptations in saltwater.