Scientists have recently unearthed a 16ft-long aquatic reptile fossil dating back 240 million years from the Triassic period, named Dinocephalosaurus orientalis. This remarkable fossil has given researchers the first full view of the anatomy of this bizarre prehistoric creature, leading to the nickname “dragon” due to its extraordinarily long neck. Dr. Nick Fraser, part of the international team that analyzed the fossil, described it as “a very strange animal” with flipper-like limbs and a neck longer than its body and tail combined. The speculation is that the long, bendy neck might have provided a hunting advantage, enabling the creature to access food in underwater crevices.
This extraordinary discovery was made in ancient limestone deposits in southern China, adding to the already peculiar findings from the Triassic period. Every exploration into these deposits yields new and fascinating creatures, emphasizing the diversity of life in ancient times. The detailed description of Dinocephalosaurus orientalis can be found in the academic journal Earth and Environmental Science: Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, providing a valuable insight into the evolution of species during that era.
The Astonishing Discovery of the 240 Million Year-Old ‘Dragon’ Fossil
