Discovered 4-leg solid fossil specimens in Brazil

On July 23, scientists have discovered fossils of four-legged snake species in Brazil, the only specimen to date, sparking the assumption that the ancestors of reptiles are animals living on land. instant rather than underwater.

4-legged fossil solid

According to the American Journal of Science, this snake is called Tetrapodophis amplectus , living in the Cretaceous period, about 146 to 100 million years, and has many similar characteristics as the current snake: short nose, arch elongated skull, skin vein, sharp teeth and jaw very flexible to swallow large prey.

(Source: Thanh Nien)

This reptile also has a spinal structure similar to today's snakes, allowing them to have a tremendous force to squeeze their prey until they are suffocated.

The only difference of Tetrapodophis amplectus with snakes is now their four legs that do not seem to be used for movement but only for prey or mating.

(Source: Thanh Nien)

The authors of this scientific study also emphasized that Tetrapodophis amplectus does not have long tails, typical of reptiles living under water like crocodiles . This suggests that the evolution of snakes does not live in the water.

The researchers also analyzed the genetic characteristics and morphology of Tetrapodophis amplectus and compared with other snake species.