A team of scientists has uncovered a remarkably well-preserved fossil of a marine reptile in China, dating back 245 million years. The fossil, found in Yunnan Province, belongs to the species Austronaga minuta, a long-necked, fish-eating reptile that lived during the Triassic Period.

Unprecedented Preservation

The fossil is significant not only because of its age but also due to its exceptional state of preservation. The remains include the reptile’s stomach, liver, and intestines, offering a unique glimpse into the internal anatomy of an ancient creature. According to paleontologist Stephan Spiekman, this is the oldest well-preserved digestive tract of any reptile known to date.

The Austronaga minuta was about 2 feet long, with a small head, a long neck, and a tail that was even longer than its body. It had large front flippers and small hind flippers, suggesting that it was an agile swimmer. The fossil also contains fish scales in the reptile’s gut, indicating that it had eaten fish before it died.

Evolutionary Insights

The discovery provides valuable insights into the evolution of reptiles, particularly those that adapted to a marine lifestyle. The Austronaga minuta is closely related to a group of reptiles called archosaurs, which includes crocodiles, dinosaurs, and birds. However, it had a more primitive digestive system than its modern relatives, with a single-chambered stomach.

The fossil’s preservation is a testament to the region’s rich fossil record, which has yielded many important discoveries in the past. The find is a significant contribution to our understanding of the evolution of life on Earth, particularly during the Triassic Period, a time of great evolutionary innovation following a mass extinction event.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.