Key Discovery from the Triassic Period
A team of international scientists made a groundbreaking discovery in China, unearthing a 240-million-year-old fossil from the Triassic period. Described as a “long and snake-like, mythical Chinese dragon,” the 16-foot-long aquatic reptile, named Dinocephalosaurus orientalis, has 32 separate neck vertebrae, showcasing an exceptionally long neck.
Unveiling a Bizarre Prehistoric Creature
The National Museums of Scotland revealed this remarkable find, stating that the fossil, found in the Guizhou Province of southern China, bears a snake-like appearance with flippers. This complete fossil has “allowed scientists to depict the bizarre long-necked creature in full for the very first time.”
Insights into Triassic Life
This discovery sheds light on the mysterious world of the Triassic period, leaving paleontologists astounded. The study, published by Cambridge University Press, highlights that Dinocephalosaurus orientalis lived primarily in water and likely did not venture onto land to lay eggs.
International Collaboration in Paleontology
Over the span of a decade, researchers from the U.S., U.K., China, and Europe have meticulously studied this unique creature. Professor Li Chun, from the Institute of Vertebrate Palaeontology and Palaeoanthropology, emphasized the significance of this finding, dubbing Dinocephalosaurus as one of the most remarkable discoveries in the Triassic of Guizhou Province.
Continuing to Unravel Prehistoric Mysteries
The fossil, along with previously discovered embryos of similar creatures, has provided valuable insights into the anatomy and behavior of this ancient reptile. This exceptional find not only captivates imaginations worldwide but also deepens our understanding of the diverse and enigmatic life forms that once roamed the Earth.