Researchers have discovered 356-million-year-old reptile footprints in Australia, the oldest known, pushing back the origin of reptiles by 35 million years. The well-preserved footprints, found in the Snowy Plains Formation, show five distinct toes with curved claws, characteristic of early reptiles. This discovery significantly predates the previously accepted origin of amniotes and suggests a faster transition from aquatic to terrestrial life. The findings, published in Nature, challenge existing theories about vertebrate evolution and highlight the importance of citizen science in paleontological discoveries.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.