Detection of prehistoric lizard fossils

Through research, experts identified this fossil as the oldest known lizard species found.

Recently, a group of researchers from George Washington University, University of South Florida discovered 163 million-year-old fossil of prehistoric reptiles. Scientists named this prehistoric species Kryptodrakon - the oldest and oldest known lizard species ancestor.

Through analysis, the experts identified the lizard species as the characteristic of the winged lizard Pterodactyloidea . This Pterodactyloidea winged lizard is native and grows in both the above ground environment and not only in the water environment as previously known.

The bones of the Kryptodrakon species

Further research, the experts said, this is the fossil of a small, wing-span flying lizard about 4.5m. After adulthood, this creature evolved into a giant-sized fighter-sized creature. Pterodactyloidea was extinct about 66 million years ago and is considered to have close relatives with the dinosaurs.

Dr. Andres, who participated in the study, said: "This finding will provide us with new information about the evolution of flying lizards. Most likely, the area where the living lizard has flooded, so they are forced to evolve, the lizards vary from narrow wings - which are useful for the environment to the long, wider wings - beneficial in navigating the land environment. walk "and fly in a whole new way".

Image of a Pterodactyloidea

Dr. Clark, Ronald B. Weintraub of George Washington University said: "Kryptodrakon is the second lizard species we discovered. Through this fossil study, we have more information, more understanding about the system. Diverse ecology of Jurassic ".

This study will be recorded in the study of the ecology of the lizard when providing the relationship between the wing shape and the habitat. However, experts claim that flying lizards are not the ancestors of birds (new haired dinosaurs are considered to be the ancestors of this bird). Scientists believe that flying lizards do not evolve into birds and other modern animals.