Scientists have uncovered a remarkable 240-million-year-old fossil of an aquatic reptile named Dinocephalosaurus orientalis, drawing comparisons to the mythical Chinese dragon due to its unique physical characteristics. This discovery was made in the ancient limestone deposits of Guizhou province, southern China, a location known for revealing secrets of the Triassic period.

Dinocephalosaurus is notably distinguished by its exceedingly long neck, which consists of 32 separate vertebrae and spans longer than its body and tail combined. The creature’s anatomy suggests it was highly adapted to life in the ocean, capable of navigating through underwater crevices for hunting, thanks to its flexible neck and flippered limbs.

An international team of researchers from the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, and China collaborated for over a decade to study this specimen, allowing a thorough examination of its anatomy and behavior. This study was published in the academic journal Earth and Environmental Science: Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Dr. Nick Fraser from National Museums Scotland described Dinocephalosaurus as a “very strange animal” and highlighted the significance of this find in understanding the diversity and adaptations of prehistoric marine life. Despite its resemblance to later marine reptiles like plesiosaurs, Dinocephalosaurus is classified as a distinct species, emphasizing the variety of life forms that existed during the Triassic period.

This discovery contributes to the ongoing research into the Triassic era, providing valuable insights into the evolutionary paths of aquatic reptiles and offering a glimpse into the mysterious world that existed millions of years ago.