"The dimensions of the rock nodule in which it is preserved are consistent with those of an egg. The curled posture of the embryo follows an ovoid shape like that of an egg."
"Multiple lines of evidence point to the biologically youngest Lystrosaurus having still been inside its egg when it died. The disjointed nature of the pelvis and vertebrae indicates that the pelvis and cartilage could not yet support the animal's weight."
Imaging of a 250-million-year-old fossil has confirmed that therapsids, ancestors of mammals, laid eggs. This discovery addresses a significant gap in understanding their reproductive biology. Researchers analyzed Lystrosaurus fossils using advanced imaging techniques, revealing that one specimen was likely still inside its egg at death. Evidence includes the rock's dimensions matching those of an egg and the embryo's curled posture. The findings suggest that these ancient creatures had reproductive strategies that contributed to their survival after a major extinction event.
Read at www.scientificamerican.com
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