Latest news with #Dinocephalosaurus

Time of India

Was the mythical dragon real? 240 million years old fossil found in China resemble the legendary beasts

The mythical dragon gliding through ancient seas has always been one of the most talked-about animals among people. There have always been various legends that support the existence of this massive magical creature, but is it true that it actually glided over the ancient landscapes? 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brasil terá 41% dos idosos com flacidez muscular até 2035 se não tomar isso Revista do Homem Saiba Mais Undo 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.