Recent discoveries in the field of paleontology have shed light on the fascinating history of egg-laying mammals in Australia. Scientists have uncovered three previously unknown extinct species of monotremes, providing valuable insights into the evolution of these unique creatures.

The findings, published in the journal Alcheringa: an Australasian Journal of Palaeontology, suggest that Australia was once teeming with a diverse array of egg-laying mammals, known as monotremes. These ancient creatures, including the well-known platypus and echidna, were far more abundant in the past than they are today.

One of the remarkable discoveries is a species dubbed the ‘echidnapus,’ officially named Opalios splendens, which exhibits a blend of characteristics seen in modern platypuses and echidnas. This peculiar creature roamed Australia during the Cretaceous period, adding to the rich tapestry of prehistoric life on the continent.

According to study co-author Elizabeth Smith, a paleontologist at the Australian Opal Center, Australia was once a hub of furry egg-layers long before the rise of marsupials. The region of Lightning Ridge in New South Wales, where the fossils were unearthed, appears to have been a hotspot for monotremes around 100 million years ago.

The fossils were initially discovered in the Lightning Ridge opal fields about 25 years ago but were largely overlooked until recently. After being rediscovered and examined, researchers identified a total of six species, including the three new additions and three previously known extinct monotremes.

This revelation has been likened to uncovering a lost civilization, offering a glimpse into a bygone era when egg-laying mammals flourished in Australia. The study highlights the importance of revisiting old fossils and reexamining our understanding of prehistoric life on Earth.