Ancient Axolotl Species Found in Mexico | Tech News

Scientists in Mexico have uncovered a groundbreaking fossil discovery: Ambystoma quetzalcoatli, the first known fossil salamander in the country and the oldest record of its genus. Found in ancient lakebeds of Hidalgo, the fossils reveal a distinct, prehistoric axolotl with unique skull and skeletal traits—including 17 trunk vertebrae—differing from today’s 16 or fewer. Using CT scans and modern comparisons with 13 living species, researchers confirmed it’s a new species. This find reshapes our understanding of axolotl evolution, pushing their presence in Mexico back millions of years to the Pliocene and showing neoteny was already in place. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f37fd7d9d5003db4