Latest news with #GrayFossilSite
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Giant salamander fossil unearthed at Gray Fossil Site
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Researchers at the Gray Fossil Site have discovered the remains of a giant salamander that once called prehistoric Appalachia home. According to a news release from East Tennessee State University (ETSU), the giant plethodontid salamander was strong-jawed and possessed a powerful bite. New guidance on hemp-derived cannabinoid products: What will change on Jan. 1, 2026 The species, Dynamognathus robertsoni, was about 16 inches long, making it one of the largest salamanders to ever exist in the area. In the present day, Northeast Tennessee and all of Southern Appalachia are teeming with a wide variety of salamanders. Among those, researchers say, are dusky salamanders, a stream-dwelling species that measures about seven inches long at their largest. Dusky salamanders are related to Red Hills salamanders, a large species that lives underground with a worm-like body and small limbs. 'Finding something that looks like a Red Hills salamander here in East Tennessee was a bit of a surprise,' Assistant Collections Manager Davis Gunnin stated in the release. 'Today, they're only found in a few counties in southern Alabama, and researchers thought of them as a highly specialized dead-end lineage not particularly relevant to the evolution of the dusky salamanders. Discovery of Dynamognathus robertsoni here in Southern Appalachia shows that these types of relatively large, burrowing salamanders were once more widespread in eastern North America and may have had a profound impact on the evolution of Appalachian salamander communities.' Guinn described Dynamognathus robertsoni as 'the largest plethodontid salamander and one of the largest terrestrial salamanders in the world.' Assistant Collections Manager Shay Maden said the name of the newly discovered salamander comes from its bite and also pays homage to the volunteer who found the first specimen at Gray Fossil Site. 'This group of salamanders has unusual cranial anatomy that gives them a strong bite force, so the genus name – Dynamognathus – Greek for 'powerful jaw,' is given to highlight the great size and power of the salamander compared to its living relatives,' Maden said. As for 'robertsoni,' that name comes from Gray Fossil Site volunteer Wayne Robertson. According to ETSU, Robertson discovered the first specimen of the salamander and has sifted through more than 50 tons of soil containing fossils since 2000. Guinn, Maden and other researchers from the Gray Fossil Site and ETSU published their findings in the journal Historical Biology. The other authors included: Director and Professor of Geosciences Dr. Blaine Schubert Head Curator and Associate Professor of Geosciences, Dr. Joshua Samuels Museum Specialist Keila Bredehoeft Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Gray Fossil Site celebrates 25-year anniversary
GRAY, Tenn. (WJHL) – What started as a small discovery in 2000 is now a popular attraction in the Tri-Cities. 25 years after that discovery, the Gray Fossil Site continues to evolve, with new discoveries every day. On Saturday, the Fossil Site kicked off its 25th anniversary celebration, a milestone many couldn't believe had already arrived. 'Most people are like, 'No way, I can't believe it's been 25 years since that time,'' said Executive Director Blaine Shubert. 'But to really update the public on all of the amazing discoveries that we've actually had and also showcase some of the new exhibits we've developed, too.' Throughout the event, ETSU Paleontology students, fossil site employees and volunteers presented their research to the public. Schubert said with the recent addition of the Hands On! Discovery Center, the site has evolved into a place of learning for all. 'So you have these two entities in one place and an academic program to where the students are getting to be involved in not only things like excavation, but building exhibits, doing outreach programs here at the museum,' he said. 'And so we just continue to grow and diversify.' Recent ETSU graduate and Collections Assistant Derek Den Ouden said he's thankful to have been a part of the site's 25-year history. 'It's been really fantastic and awesome to be a part of the broader gray fossil site experience and contribute my name to the legacy that we've established over the past 25 years,' he said. Now that the site has reached the 25-year milestone, Den Ouden said he's excited to see what the next 25 years will bring. 'We're always digging and there's always some surprise,' he said. 'So I'm really hopeful that we'll find some really exceptional stuff in the next 25 years.' Schubert said Saturday's event is the kick-off for a year-long celebration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
