Discovery of 240 Million-Year-Old Chinese Dragon Fossil

SOURCE abcnews.go.com
Scientists discover a 5-meter-long aquatic reptile from the Triassic period in China, named Dinocephalosaurus orientalis, with an extraordinarily long neck and snake-like appearance.

Key Points

  • Dinocephalosaurus orientalis is a 5-meter-long aquatic reptile from the Triassic period
  • It had an extraordinarily long neck with many vertebrae, giving it a snake-like appearance
  • The reptile was well adapted to an oceanic lifestyle with flippered limbs and fish in its stomach region
  • The discovery contributes to the understanding of marine reptiles in the Triassic period

Pros

  • Remarkable discovery sheds light on the diverse marine life during the Triassic period
  • Provides valuable insights into the evolution of aquatic reptiles

Cons

  • Limited information available on the exact behavior and characteristics of Dinocephalosaurus orientalis