A 240-million-year-old dragon fossil arouses the curiosity of scientists

The recent discovery of Fossil A giant marine reptile with an impressively long neck surprised the scientific community.

Hey Eastern dinosaursIt lived on Earth about 240 million years ago, during the Triassic Period.

Fossil identification

Unearthed fossil of Dinocephalosaurus orientalis – Image: Earth Sciences & Environment/Reproduction

The fossil first caught the attention of experts in 2003. However, the most recent discovery was made in ancient limestone deposits in southern China.

This discovery has allowed scientists to conduct a deeper analysis of the strange anatomy of such a prehistoric creature.

Nick Fraser, a paleontologist at National Museums Scotland and a member of the international group that studied the fossil, commented: “A very strange animal.”

According to him, these are the first full details of what this interesting reptile will be like.

Unique anatomy

This Triassic monster was 5 meters long and had legs, apparently designed for movement in marine environments, as well as a very long neck.

“Its limbs were flipper-like, and its neck was longer than its body and tail combined,” Fraser said in an interview with BBC News.

You Researchers We think that the long, flexible neck, made up of 32 separate vertebrae, likely had an advantage in hunting, allowing it to hunt Eastern dinosaurs Searching for food in the depths underwater.

A 240-million-year-old “dragon” fossil reveals the secrets of the Triassic period – Image: Earth and Environmental Sciences / Marilyn Donnelly / Reproduction

Triassic Period: The Age of Alien Reptiles

This discovery adds even more distinctive features to an already interesting Triassic period.

“Every time we examine these deposits, we find something new,” concludes paleontologist Fraser, excited by the continuing discoveries that shed light on the diversity of life in the Triassic.

Studying fossils like this is crucial for understanding the evolution of life on Earth and the adaptation of species to different environments and climatic conditions.

The discovery of fossils from the Triassic period, in particular, continues to surprise scientists with a myriad of discoveries Creatures Unique, which contributes to our understanding of the prehistoric era.