Long shot science leads to revised age for land-animal ancestor

The fossils of ancient salamander-like creatures in Scotland are among the most well-preserved examples of early stem tetrapods — some of the first animals to make the transition from water to land. Thanks to new research, scientists believe that these creatures are 14 million years older than previously thought. The new age — dating back to 346 million years ago — adds to the significance of the find because it places the specimens in a mysterious hole in the fossil record called Romer’s Gap. …read more