In a discovery, researchers have recovered a 48-million-year-old fossil which may represent the earliest clear member of the Jesus lizard group.
The 48-million-year-old fossil, known as a 'Jesus lizard' for its ability to walk on water, may provide insight into how climate change may affect tropical species.
The fossil was recovered from the Bridger Formation in Wyoming, US. It is the first description of a new species, named Babibasiliscus alxi by the author, and may represent the earliest clear member of the Jesus lizard group, Corytophanidae.
This group, which includes iguanas and chameleons, remains poorly understood, due to the small number of fossils available for study.
According to the author, Babibasilscus alxi was likely active during the day and spent a lot of time in trees. A ridge of bone on the skull gave it an angry look while providing shade for its eyes.
Lead author Jack Conard said this may give them an idea of what to expect from dynamic Earth.
The study is published in the journal PLOS ONE.