Emily Chan
In China, scientists have found the fossil of a dragon-like creature that lived 240 million years ago.
The fossil was an aquatic reptile that belonged to the species Dinocephalosaurus orientalis and has been nicknamed the “Chinese dragon.”
It was first discovered in the Guizhou Province of southern China in 2003, but recently, additional remains were recovered and pieced together with the original specimen to complete the entirety of the fossil.
Now that the fossil is whole, scientists have been able to identify the ancient carnivore for the first time.
The researchers involved with the discovery were from various parts of the world, including Scotland, Germany, China, and America.
For over 10 years, they studied the fossil at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing.
“It is yet one more example of the weird and wonderful world of the Triassic that continues to baffle paleontologists,” said Nick Fraser, keeper of natural sciences at National Museums Scotland.
“We are certain that it will capture imaginations across the globe due to its striking appearance, reminiscent of the long and snake-like, mythical Chinese dragon.”
The animal lived during the Triassic period, which was 252 million to 201 million years ago. It measured 16.8 feet long and had a lengthy neck that stretched out to attack prey in shallow waters.
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