[bitontheslide]

Scientists have revealed a new, remarkably complete fossil - a 16ft (5m)-long aquatic reptile from the Triassic period.

The creature dates back 240 million years and has been dubbed a "dragon" because of its extremely long neck.

It is called Dinocephalosaurus orientalis, a species that was originally identified back in 2003.

This spectacular new fossil has allowed scientists to see the full anatomy of this bizarre prehistoric beast.

Dr Nick Fraser, from National Museums Scotland, who was part of the international team that studied the fossil, said this was the first time scientists had been able to see it in full. He described it as "a very strange animal".

"It had flipper-like limbs and its neck is longer than its body and tail combined," he said.

The researcher speculated that a "long, bendy and flexible neck", with its 32 separate vertebrae, might have provided a hunting advantage - allowing Dinocephalosaurus orientalis to search for food in crevices under the water.

The fossil was discovered in ancient limestone deposits in southern China.

"This discovery just adds to the weirdness of the Triassic," Dr Fraser told BBC News. "And every time we look in these deposits, we find something new."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68374520

[UserSince2005]

Because having a long neck is what make something a dragon, not you know breathing fire.
Good to know Giraffes are living modern day dragons.

[LeatherTrumpet]

"This discovery just adds to the weirdness of the Triassic"

[Strictly Jake]

Wouldnt suprise me if dragons did exist. Ain't too much of a stretch of the imagination when dinosaurs lived. They probably didn't breath fire though. So many historical books mention dragons including the bible

[Soldier Boy]

It should surely at least fly to be considered a dragon.

[Zizu]

Wow these two not to mention Giraffes must be dragons then …

Quote—- “ The creature dates back 240 million years and has been dubbed a "dragon" because of its extremely long neck.”


This is a non-story imho

I reckon the person who wrote the news article ‘dubbed’ it a dragon … especially given it was an aquatic creature .. how would it breath fire

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinocephalosaurus




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Zizu]

Originally Posted by UserSince2005

Because having a long neck is what make something a dragon, not you know breathing fire.
Good to know Giraffes are living modern day dragons.

You beat me to it !


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[ChalkOutlineMan]

I'm waiting for them to find a Leprechaun perfectly preserved in tree amber and buried at the bottom of a barley field.

[parmnion]

We are aliens to this planet.

[LeatherTrumpet]

Originally Posted by ChalkOutlineMan

I'm waiting for them to find a Leprechaun perfectly preserved in tree amber and buried at the bottom of a barley field.

Then they can make an advert for TV to promote the find and the Leprechaun can be played by a mixed race couple having a dinner party with 2 lesbians

Strap line would be "Love the way you want, to be sure"