Found fossils of marine reptiles carrying embryos

According to the American Journal of Science on Aug. 11, American scientists have discovered fossils of a reptile living in prehistoric water.

This is the first evidence that reptiles live in the water to give birth, not to lay eggs.

The 78 million-year fossil of the above-mentioned reptile, scientific name Polycotylus latippinus , has four fins as paddles, in other words a combination of turtles and snakes. The 4.7m long fossil, contains an embryonic shape with full ribs, 20 vertebrae, shoulder bones, hip bones and paddle fin bones.

Scientists have long argued that a large creature that was once a top predator in the ocean did not crawl to shore, but found no evidence to support this claim. However, the finding could help professionals find a solution.

According to scientists, a number of aquatic reptiles that existed during the Mid-China period along with Polycotylus latippinus above also reproduce by breeding, a characteristic related to social and normal female lifestyles. Take care of children when they are born, like dolphins. Scientists believe that Polycotylus latippinus also has such characteristics.

Fossil specimens of Polycotylus latippinus were previously discovered by a scientist in 1987 in Kansas, USA, but this model still lacks neck and head.

The "mother-son Polycotylus latippinus" fossil is currently on display at the Museum of Natural History in Los Angeles County, USA.