A 270-million-year-old fossil, resembling a stout salamander and showing a marked similarity to the iconic Muppet character Kermit the Frog, has been named Kermitops gratus. Discovered in Texas and stored at the Smithsonian, this naming aims to bridge the gap in amphibian evolution and spark public interest in paleontology.
A newly identified 270-million-year-old fossil, discovered four decades ago in Texas and stored at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, has been officially named Kermitops gratus, in homage to the beloved Muppet character, Kermit the Frog. The naming decision underscores the fossil’s inch-long skull, marked by distinctive large eye sockets and a resemblance to Kermit’s distinctive appearance, particularly its bug-eyed look and smile. Kermitops gratus, resembling a stout salamander, is believed to be a proto-amphibian, part of the temnospondyl group, which played a significant role in the evolution of amphibians transitioning from water to land habitats.
The research, led by Dr. Arjan Mann and involving doctoral student Calvin So, highlights Kermitops gratus’s unique skull shape, which likely aided in preying on small insects. This discovery offers fresh insights into the early stages of amphibian evolution, bridging a crucial gap in the fossil record related to amphibians and their ancestors. It is particularly valuable for understanding the origins and development of modern frogs, salamanders, and their relatives, amid an otherwise sparsely populated early fossil record.
The decision to connect the fossil with the pop culture icon, Kermit the Frog, is aimed at increasing public interest and engagement with paleontology, emphasizing the field’s broader relevance beyond the realm of dinosaurs. This strategic naming highlights the importance of scientific discoveries in understanding evolutionary history while demonstrating the potential for popular culture to spark curiosity and broaden the public’s engagement with science.
