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New research has uncovered previously unknown information about the long-necked creature, offering a comparison to the Chinese dragon.
Fossils of Dinocephalosaurus orientalis were found in southern China’s Guizhou province.
Researchers reported that the creature had an exceptionally lengthy neck, consisting of 32 individual vertebrae. Its flippers and preserved fish found in its stomach region suggested that it was highly suited for a life in the ocean.
The reptile was first recognized in 2003, but the finding of more complete specimens has allowed an international team of scientists to illustrate the entire creature.
Nick Fraser, the individual responsible for overseeing natural sciences at National Museums Scotland, was among the individuals who were involved.
He stated that this finding enables us to observe the complete form of this extraordinary animal with a long neck for the first time ever.
This is just another instance of the strange and fascinating Triassic world that still puzzles paleontologists.
“We are confident that its striking appearance, resembling the legendary Chinese dragon with its long, serpentine form, will captivate people around the world.”
An illustration of a Dinocephalosaurus orientalis swimming with prehistoric fish called Saurichthys.
The extended neck of Dinocephalosaurus orientalis has been likened to the neck of Tanystropheus hydroides, another peculiar sea-dwelling reptile found in Europe and China during the Middle Triassic era.
Both reptiles were approximately the same size and share multiple characteristics in their skulls. However, Dinocephalosaurus has a greater number of vertebrae in the neck and torso, resulting in a more snake-like appearance.
A team of researchers from Scotland, Germany, America, and China conducted a 10-year study on Dinocephalosaurus orientalis at the Institute of Vertebrate Palaeontology and Palaeoanthropology in Beijing, which is a part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
in 1985.
In 1985, fossils of the Dinocephalosaurus orientalis were found in southern China’s Guizhou province.
Although they may appear similar, Dinocephalosaurus was not closely related to the well-known long-necked plesiosaurs, which did not appear until about 40 million years later and are believed to have influenced the legend of the Loch Ness monster.
Professor Li Chun of the institute stated, “This has been a collaborative effort with colleagues from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. Together, we utilized recently discovered specimens at the Chinese Academy of Sciences to expand upon our current understanding of this creature.”
“Out of all the astounding discoveries in Guizhou province’s Triassic period, Dinocephalosaurus certainly stands out as the most noteworthy.”
The complete publication of the animal’s description can be found in the Earth And Environmental Science academic journal, specifically in the latest volume of Transactions Of The Royal Society Of Edinburgh.
Source: independent.co.uk
