Scientists Unearth Dragon-Like Reptile Fossil Dating Back 240 Million Years

Researchers have uncovered the fossil of a five-meter-long aquatic reptile dating back to the Triassic period (approximately 240 million years ago). This ancient creature bears resemblance to the mythical Chinese dragon, as reported by BBC.

Fragments of the reptile fossils belonging to the species Dinocephalosaurus orientalis were found in limestone deposits in the province of Guizhou in southern China.

Scientist Nika Fraser, who conducted the study of this reptile, described it as "an incredibly remarkable creature." It had fin-like limbs and a neck longer than its body and tail combined. Its long, flexible neck, comprised of 32 individual vertebrae, could have been advantageous for hunting, allowing the creature to search for food in underwater crevices, scientists speculate.

The remains of Dinocephalosaurus orientalis were first discovered by researchers in 2003. However, it was only after the discovery of additional, more complete specimens that an international group of scientists was able to fully describe this creature.

Researchers note that despite its external resemblance, Dinocephalosaurus is not closely related to the famous long-necked plesiosaurs, which evolved approximately 40 million years later and likely contributed to the legend of the Loch Ness Monster.

The Gaze publication also reported, that in a related discovery, archaeologists in Central Europe have unearthed a network of previously unknown Bronze Age megastructures, which may shed light on so-called "mega-forts" - the largest structures built before the Iron Age (1200-550 BCE).

In their study, archaeologists from University College Dublin used satellite imagery to identify a series of previously unknown megastructures in central Europe.

Alongside colleagues from Serbia and Slovenia, scientists found over 100 sites that helped identify mega-forts and prehistoric structures.

Researchers combined satellite and aerial photographs to create an understanding of the prehistoric landscape of the southern part of the Carpathian Basin.

Scientists concluded that the massive Bronze Age monuments were interconnected. Previously, scholars believed each existed separately.

Some of the discovered monuments are located along the banks of the Tisza River, which flows between European countries.