Was the mythical dragon real? 240 million years old fossil found in China resemble the legendary beasts
Recently, fossils of a real ancient creature were discovered that remained preserved in stone for 240 million years.
Paleontologists are now exploring these fossils in southwestern China. These fossils belong to Dinocephalosaurus orientalis, a long-necked marine reptile whose extraordinary appearance is similar to the legendary beasts.
Originally discovered in 2003, the full anatomy of Dinocephalosaurus remained a mystery until a team of international researchers assembled enough well-preserved specimens to finally reconstruct it.
A living "Chinese dragon"
Dinocephalosaurus orientalis was first named in 2003, but it wasn't until recently that paleontologists described its entire skeleton in detail. New fossils from Guizhou Province allowed researchers to fill in the missing pieces and offer a complete view of its anatomy
Measuring around 16–20 feet, this marine reptile had a neck longer than its body and tail combined, due to a massive 32 cervical vertebrae. Its long form and snake-like head has led to frequent comparisons to the mythical Chinese dragon
Not related to plesiosaurs, yet uniquely adapted
Although it superficially resembled later plesiosaurs, an extinct Mesozoic marine reptile, Dinocephalosaurus was not closely related to them.
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Instead, it belongs to the archosauromorpha lineage, evolving its long neck independently. Dense, paddle-like limbs and preserved fish in its stomach suggest a truly marine lifestyle and piscivorous diet.
Surprisingly, the fossil evidence indicates this reptile gave birth to live young, that is also an exceptionally rare trait for reptiles, suggesting it was fully adapted to ocean life.
The
study
was led by researchers from China, Germany, Scotland, and the U.S.,
with specimens housed at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and National Museums Scotland. Dr Li Chun of Beijing said, 'This has been an international effort. … Among all of the extraordinary finds … Dinocephalosaurus probably stands out as the most remarkable.'
Why this discovery matters
Dr Nick Fraser from National Museums Scotland commented, 'This discovery allows us to see this remarkable long‑necked animal in full for the very first time … we are certain that it will capture imaginations across the globe'. By showing an entirely new combination of marine traits and reproductive strategies, Dinocephalosaurus also increases our understanding of Triassic evolution.
The fossil discovery tells us how diverse and experimental marine ecosystems were during the Triassic wherethese Dinocephalosaurus survived along with plesiosaurs, ichthyosaurs, and other bizarre forms.
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