What is Westlothiana?

Author: Leandro Alegsa

Q: What is Westlothiana?


A: Westlothiana is an early tetrapod with a mixture of amphibian and early amniote characters.

Q: What does the body shape of Westlothiana resemble?


A: The body shape of Westlothiana had a superficial resemblance to modern-day lizards.

Q: When did Westlothiana live?


A: Westlothiana lived during the Carboniferous period, about 350 million years ago.

Q: Where was the type specimen of Westlothiana discovered?


A: The type specimen of Westlothiana was discovered in East Kirkton Quarry, Bathgate, Scotland in 1984.

Q: What is the significance of Westlothiana in the study of evolution?


A: Westlothiana is a transitional fossil, providing evidence of the evolution from amphibians to early amniotes.

Q: Why was Westlothiana named what it is?


A: Westlothiana was named after the County of West Lothian where it was found.

Q: How does the discovery of Westlothiana contribute to the field of paleontology?


A: The discovery of Westlothiana provides insights into the diversity of life during the Carboniferous period and helps to fill gaps in the evolutionary history of tetrapods.


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