Study of 100 million-year-old fossil Najash gives more clues about snake evolution.
Understanding how snakes evolved is difficult because their skeletons are small and fragile, meaning they are rarely well preserved. However, between 2012 and 2017 researchers working in northern Patagonia, Argentina, found a trove of ancient snake fossils, including a dozen skulls and half a dozen skeletons belonging to the species Najash.
Led by Fernando Garberoglio, a paleontologist from Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, the team uncovered what is believed to be the biggest and most well-preserved collection of fossil snakes in the world. These fossils dated to different periods, and, because of their high level of preservation, the team was able to build a 3D picture of the species' anatomy., showed they maintained back legs for about 70 million years.
Why being limbless is advantageous to snakes is also unclear."Modern snakes, and the same likely applies to ancient snakes as well, live in a wide variety of environments—from oceans, to deserts, to underground, in rainforest tree canopies, and on the ground in all manner of environments," Garberoglio told.
An image of one of the fossilized snake skulls. Researchers say this is the most complete and well preserved collection of snake fossils in the world.Garberoglio said their findings, together with recent advances in snake paleontology, show snake evolution was related to specializations in their heads, rather than the body and its elongation and limb loss.
The next step in the research is to find more snake fossils so they can compare this species with others. Garberoglio also hopes to look at snakes living on the ancient continent of Gondwana to understand the role they played in snake evolution.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Old age: Why 70 may be the new 65Experts say health and life expectancy gains mean it is time to rethink how we measure and define being elderly.
Consulte Mais informação »
Here’s Why The DOJ Wants To Cancel A 70-Year-Old Movie Distribution LawBut it could hurt already struggling independent theaters.
Consulte Mais informação »
Caitlyn Jenner shows off toned figure in black bikini at age 70Jenner showered in a bikini during filming for the U.K. reality show 'I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!'
Consulte Mais informação »
'I Gained 70 Lbs. After A Personal Tragedy. I Started Strength Training To Cope And Got Stronger Than Ever''Starting my health and fitness journey changed my whole life.'
Consulte Mais informação »
Lizzo Reacts to Being the GRAMMYs Most Nominated Artist of the YearLizzo made a big splash with the Recording Academy in her first year of eligibility.
Consulte Mais informação »