Fossils of ‘Platypus-zilla’ found in Australia

Part of a giant Platypus fossil has been discovered by the Australian Scientists in Queensland, Australia. A researchers’ team lead by Prof. Michael Archer, paleontologist from University of New South Wales unearthed a single fossilised tooth in the Riversleigh fossil beds in northwest Queensland. According to the team, the creature lived between 5 and 15 million years ago. They have dubbed the beast "platypus-zilla" and believe it would have measured more than 1m-long (3ft). Based on its size, the researchers have estimated that the new species, Obdurodon tharalkooschild would have been at least twice as large as today's platypus. Though the area where the molar was found is a desert, the researchers think millions of years ago it would have been covered in forest as to their expectation the beast would have spent its time in and around freshwater ponds. The discovery suggests the evolutionary back-story of today's platypus is more complicated than that was thought. Paleontology: Paleontology or palaeontology is the scientific study of prehistoric life. It includes the study of fossils to determine organisms' evolution and interactions with each other and their environments (their paleoecology). Paleontological observations have been documented as far back as the 5th century BC. The science became established in the 18th century as a result of Georges Cuvier's work on comparative anatomy, and developed rapidly in the 19th century. The term itself originates from Greek palaios, i.e. "old, ancient", on (gen. ontos), i.e. "being, creature" and logos i.e. "speech, thought, study".

What: Fossils of ‘Platypus-zilla’ found Who: Researchers led by Prof. Michael Archer, Paleontologist from University of New South Wales When: November 4, 2013 Where: Queensland, Australia