240 million-year-old sea monster discovered in China

On 23 February, palaeontologists from several countries revealed the existence of a 240 million-year-old marine reptile in the journal Earth And Environment.

The major discovery took place in the Guizhou province, in southern China. Scientists unearthed the fossils of the reptile Dinocephalosaurus orientalis, reports Demotivateur. The marine creature, with its snake-like appearance and long neck, roamed the Earth nearly 240 million years ago during the Triassic era.

Nick Fraser, one of the researchers on site and Keeper of Natural Sciences at the National Museum of Scotland, emphasises: “We're certain that this animal will captivate the world’s imagination with its striking appearance, reminiscent of the mythical Chinese dragon, long and serpent-like”. As specified by the scientists, the sea monster (first identified in 2003) possessed “flipper-like limbs and a neck longer than its body and tail combined”, along with 32 distinct cervical vertebrae. This physical feature allowed it to probe into seabed crevices.

The most remarkable of discoveries

Professor Li Chun at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology stated that “among all the extraordinary discoveries we've made in the Triassic of Guizhou province, the Dinocephalosaurus likely stands out as the most remarkable”, adding that “it was an international effort. By working with colleagues from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe, we used recently discovered specimens preserved at the Chinese Academy of Sciences to develop our existing knowledge of this animal”.

The enthusiasm shared by Nick Fraser, who recalls that this discovery will allow them to refine their knowledge of this prehistoric species, present, let us remember, before the dinosaurs. “This discovery only adds to the strangeness of the Triassic, and every time we examine these deposits, we find something new.”

(MH with Raphaël Liset - Source: Demotivateur - Illustration: ©Unsplash)