Unraveling Amphibian and Reptile Evolution Through Recent Fossil Discoveries

This Research Topic is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Hans-Dieter Sues, Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. A distinguished scholar and prolific author of over 150 papers, Hans was instrumental in naming numerous species and was honored by the namesake genus Hanssuesia. Beyond his scientific brilliance, he was a gifted communicator who shared the joy of paleobiology with infectious enthusiasm. We are honored to continue this collection in his memory, upholding his passion for championing early career researchers. To contribute to this collection, please contact amphibianandreptilescience@frontiersin.orgThe fossil record is crucial for understanding the origins and diversification of amphibians and reptiles. New discoveries continuously yield new insights into their evolutionary history, challenging existing beliefs.This research topic will focus on amphibian and reptile fossil discoveries from recent decades. The primary goal is to integrate these new data to refine taxonomy, reconstruct phylogenies, detail morphological innovations, and elucidate the broader evolutionary trajectories of these vertebrate groups.Key Areas of Focus:• New Discoveries: Critically review the most impactful recent fossil finds.• Taxonomy & Systematics: Re-evaluate existing taxa and propose new ones based on new discoveries.• Phylogenetics: Resolve evolutionary relationships using morphological data from new specimens.• Morphology & Functional Anatomy: Conduct detailed comparative analyses of newly described fossils.• Evolutionary and Biogeographic Implications: Synthesize findings to reconstruct major evolutionary events and diversification patterns.This research topic will advance our understanding of herpetological evolution by providing a current synthesis of amphibian and reptile paleontological data. It highlights the dynamic nature of the fossil record and its continuous capacity to refine our knowledge, informing modern biodiversity and conservation.If you are interested in submitting or have any questions please contact the journal email: amphibianandreptilescience@frontiersin.org Topic editors: Adán Pérez García, Sunil Bajpai Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76256/unraveling-amphibian-and-reptile-evolution-through-recent-fossil-discoveries