Eupodophis
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| Eupodophis Fossil range: Late Cretaceous |
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| Eupodophis descouensi (Rage & Escuillié, 2000) |
Eupodophis is an extinct genus of snake from the Late Cretaceous period. The only species (also the type species), E. descouensi, had two legs, and is a "transitional form" between Cretaceous lizards and limbless snake.[1]
The fossilized specimen was 85 cm (33.5 in) long and is approximately 92 million years old (Cenomanian)). It was found near the al-Nammoura village in Lebanon imprinted in limestone. It was described in 2000.[1][2]
The fossil skeleton was analyzed using synchrotron x-rays at the European synchrotron radiation facility in Grenoble, France.[3][4] The researchers determined that the hind limb on one skeleton was 0.8 inches long, with an "unmistakable" fibula, tibia and femur.[4] The feature, described as vestigial, was most likely useless to the creature, according to the researchers.[4]
[edit] See also
Other known fossil snakes with legs:
[edit] References
- ^ a b Ancient serpent shows its leg. BBC (April 10, 2008). Retrieved on April 10, 2008.
- ^ Rage, J. C. & Escuillié, F. Un nouveau serpent bipède du Cénomanien (Crétacé). Implications phylétiques. C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris Earth Sci. 330, 513–520 (2000)
- ^ Synchrotron X rays 'see' inside fossils - Telegraph. Retrieved on 2008-04-16.
- ^ a b c Fossilized Snake With Two Legs Found - Science - redOrbit. Retrieved on 2008-04-16.
[edit] External links
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