An ophidiophobiac’s worst nightmare

Called Tetrapodophis amplectus the species lived during the Early Cretaceous period 100 to 146 million years ago.

Called Tetrapodophis amplectus the species lived during the Early Cretaceous period 100 to 146 million years ago.

Published Jul 24, 2015

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London - Snakes evolved from burrowing ancestors with four legs, research suggests.

A unique four-legged fossil has been found with many classic snake features, such as an elongated body, scales, fanged teeth and a flexible jaw to swallow prey. But the four limbs suggest snakes may have evolved from burrowing, rather than marine, ancestors.

Called Tetrapodophis amplectus the species lived during the Early Cretaceous period 100 to 146 million years ago.

The fossil, found in Brazil’s Crato Formation, provides scientists with insight into how the creatures evolved into the sleek, slithering reptiles of today.

Researchers analysed the genetics and features of the fossil to make their findings, published in the journal Science.

Dr Nick Longrich, of Bath University, suggested the limbs, circled in the picture above, “were used for grasping, either to seize prey or to clasp during mating”.

Daily Mail

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