A reptilian fossil similar to a dragon was discovered in China, with 32 separate vertebrae in its neck. This fossil has an extremely long neck and is very similar to the Chinese long-necked dragon.
According to Tekna Technology News Service, a team of international scientists in China, together with researchers from the United States and Europe, have succeeded in discovering 240 million-year-old fossils belonging to a marine reptile named Dinascephalo sarus. Using the discovery made for the first time, this strange and dragon-like animal can be described and its extremely long neck can be examined. According to an article published on the subject, this reptile with an unusual and very long neck resembles a dragon in Chinese mythology.
Previously, in 2003, a skull of the first three vertebrae of the neck of this fossil was discovered and examined in China. A number of other specimens were also discovered in southwest Jin, which were examined at the Beijing Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology. The investigations carried out by the researchers enabled them to completely describe the skeleton of this marine reptile within 10 years.
According to paleontologists, the additional fossils discovered have allowed them to fully observe the long neck of this creature for the first time. The appearance of this animal resembles a snake and reminds of Chinese legends. Also, the appearance of dynacephalus sarus is very extraordinary and has a special place as a long-necked dragon in China. The strange appearance along with the length of this extinct creature attracted the attention of researchers. Dinocephalus sarus has 32 separate vertebrae in its neck, making it an incredibly long-necked creature.
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