Discovery of a new species of venomous reptiles in the Triassic period

Researchers have succeeded in discovering a new species of small and poisonous reptile called Microzemiotes sonselaensis in the Chinle Formation, located in northeastern Arizona. The discovery, published in the journal PeerJ Life & Environment, offers new insights into the evolution of venom systems in reptiles as well as our understanding of ancient ecosystems in the southwestern United States.

According to the scientific news department of Tekna Technology Media, the discovered fossil includes a part of the lower jaw with grooved teeth. This feature shows that this reptile used poison to hunt and paralyze its prey. This discovery is the third to be discovered of venomous reptiles from the Late Triassic period, and the first specimen in which venom-directing teeth are clearly preserved.

The new species Microzemiotes sonselaensis has teeth with deep grooves that closely resemble the venom-conducting grooves in pearl lizards and some snakes. These grooves were most likely used to transfer poison to the body of the prey. It is interesting to note that the size of the teeth of this species is much smaller than the previous similar species, which indicates that the evolution of the hoof systems in different reptiles occurred independently and in different body sizes. Microzemiotes sonselaensis is a small reptile and its length probably did not reach 30 cm.

Helen Burch, who led the research, believes the discovery adds to existing evidence of venom use in Mesozoic reptiles. “We know very little about the origin of venom systems in reptiles outside of today’s snakes and lizards,” he says. Therefore, the discovery of Microzemiotes sonselaensis is very exciting.”

This research shows that the venom delivery systems in reptiles have a great diversity. Although the exact position of this species in the reptile family tree is still unclear, it is known that it does not belong to a group of today’s venomous reptiles such as snakes, gila monsters, and iguanas. This suggests that venom systems have evolved separately in different groups of reptiles.

The discovery of Microzemiotes sonselaensis not only contributes to our understanding of biodiversity in the Triassic period, but also leads to a better understanding of the evolution of venom systems in animals. The discovery also shows that ancient ecosystems were much more complex than previously thought, and that reptiles, like many animals today, used different hunting mechanisms to survive. To see the latest news, refer to the scientific news page of Tekna Media.