© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Kermit the Frog has a new namesake: a 270 million-year-old fossil

MICHEL MARTIN, HOST:

Good morning. I'm Michel Martin. Kermit the Frog has a new namesake, a 270-million-year-old fossil. The fossil was originally collected in 1984, but that team from the Smithsonian collected so many, they didn't get around to examining them all. Fast-forward to 2021. Researchers took another look and discovered a new member of the amphibian family tree. In a paper published this week, researchers noted several features that resemble the famous Muppet. It's one of several newly discovered species named after Muppets. Miss Piggy isn't one of them - yet. It's MORNING EDITION. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

With federal funding eliminated, WKAR relies more than ever on community support to sustain essential services that remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan. Your support helps shape what comes next for public media in our region. The best way to support WKAR is by becoming a sustaining member today or by upgrading your current gift. Support WKAR TV Here | Support WKAR Radio Here.