240 Million Years Old Snake Ancestor Skeleton Discovered That Could Help Unlock Evolution Mysteries

Evolution has been a major interest in the field of science. The evolution of many species on Earth has remained a mystery. As a result, scientists have been seeking and discovering new ideas that could help understand evolution, especially from fossils.

Recently, Newsweek reported that a 240 million years old snake ancestor was discovered in Scotland that could help unveil the evolutions of reptiles.

The discovery could help scientists observe what the evolution and transformation of reptiles, including snakes and lizards.

(Photo : Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

The National Geographic said that reptiles refer to air-breathing vertebrates, including snakes, lizards, crocodiles, turtles, and others. They have noticeable special skin of bony plates or scales.

Reptiles adapt their metabolism to their environment.

According to Newsweek, the 240 million years old skeleton was said to be complete, showing similarity to a reptile that lived million years ago.

The scientists unlocked the discovery in Isle Sky, Scotland.

The research findings were published in the Nature journal, and the news article can also be read in Newsweek.

The preserved body of a reptile living million years ago could assist researchers in finding its relevance in other species.

Meanwhile, the research explained that lizards and snakes (squamates) have over 10,000 living species.

The report said that the skeleton was called Bellairsia gracili.

Newsweek reported that the skeleton could have been an ancestor of many species on Earth.

Evolutionary traits

Using high-resolution and advanced X-rays (synchrotron phase-contrast tomography), the researchers observed the skeleton fossil. Their findings showed that it showed ancestral traits and evolutionary divergence were found.

Furthermore, the researchers pointed out that there is not enough knowledge about the ancient ancestors of lizards and snakes.

With the fossil, they could connect it to ancient groups.

Also Read: Scientists Discover 6,000-year-old Skull in Taiwan that Could Connect Ancient Indigenous Tribe.

The study's corresponding author Mateusz Tałanda explained that they had questions about the past. The fossils they found would help answer questions for so long.

Talanda is also from the University of Warsaw.

Additionally, Talanda added that the many years of research recognized the importance of the last stage of lizard evolution.

The researchers explained that lizards and snakes are diversified and differ from other reptiles.

To read the comprehensive research, visit here.

More about reptiles

Reptiles play a key importance in the environment. Researchers advancing knowledge about the snake and other reptiles' evolutions could help unveil more knowledge.

The National Geographic added that reptiles made to appear in the records of fossils 315 years ago. In the Mesozoic era, reptiles were said to be dominant animals.

Meanwhile, reports noted that reptiles like snakes, lizards, and turtles are vulnerable to temperatures and climate change. Because they depend on environmental temperatures, it could affect their future reproduction and activities.

The U.S Forest Service emphasized the importance of monitoring the said reptiles whose habitats could have been damaged. The report said the importance of adapting management actions and alleviating the environmental stress for the snakes.

The worsening human-caused climate could also threaten the survival and reproduction of reptiles.