Mummified reptile hints at the origins of how we breathe
Ancient specimens have preserved rib cage and cartilage for pumping air to lungs
About 289 million years ago, a lizardlike Captorhinus died in a cave, as shown in this artist's rendition. Oil and mineralized groundwater seeping into the body helped mummify it, preserving soft tissues like skin, cartilage and protein remnants.
Michael DeBraga
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