This study investigates the growth patterns of the Early Carboniferous stem tetrapod *Whatcheeria deltae* using bone histology. The researchers found evidence of fibro-lamellar bone, indicating rapid juvenile growth in *Whatcheeria*. This challenges the traditional view of slow growth in ancestral tetrapods and suggests that fast growth was present earlier in tetrapod evolution than previously thought. The findings imply that rapid juvenile growth may have played a significant role in the tetrapod invasion of land.
Publisher
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
Published On
Nov 03, 2022
Authors
Megan R. Whitney, Benjamin K. A. Otoo, Kenneth D. Angielczyk, Stephanie E. Pierce
Tags
tetrapod evolution
Whatcheeria deltae
bone histology
juvenile growth
Early Carboniferous
fibro-lamellar bone
land invasion
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