March 16, 2024
Scientists discovered the fossil of a 240-million-year-old marine creature that resembles a dragon in Guizhou Province in Southern China. Scientists first identified this species in 2003 and have been studying several of its fossils. But the newly discovered fossil, which is 16ft in length, has helped scientists understand the creature’s complete anatomy. Called Dinocephalosaurus orientalis, this creature had an extremely long neck with 32 vertebrae. According to scientists, the creature had flippers and fed on fish. Its long neck helped it hunt for food in crevices and narrow spaces underwater. The creature belongs to the Triassic Period.
DID YOU KNOW?
The dragon, a mythological creature, symbolises good luck and power in Chinese culture.
Image Source: wikipedia.org | Dinocephalosaurus orientalis
