The world's worst-known creature before dinosaurs

The herbivore possesses a massive body and bizarre shape known by the scientific community as the "worst fossil reptile" ever.

According to Tech Times, the pareiasaur species used to roam in Russia, Germany, Scotland, China, South Africa and South America. However, previous research does not indicate whether pareiasaur groups are different in each region.

In a new study published in the Journal of Zoology on February 19, Professor Mike Benton, a paleontologist from the University of Bristol, UK, discovered that the pareiasaur fossil found in China has some similarities. with specimens in South Africa and Russia. Research results show that heavy herbivores have moved around the globe regardless of slow movement.

A piece of fossil bone from paresiasaur.(Photo: Michael J. Benton / Bristol University).

Pareiasaur is 2-3 meters long. They have a barrel-like body and stubby limbs. Despite their massive appearance, their heads and teeth are very small. Tumors formed from bone cover the entire body and face of the animal.

Researchers found 6 pareiasaur species in China. Most fossils are concentrated in Permian rocks on the banks of the Yellow River. Benton analyzed pareiasaur specimens from many museums in Beijing. He also went to places where specimens were discovered.

"My evolutionary study of the pareiasaur process shows that species in China are closely related to relatives from Russia and South Africa. Despite their large bodies and slow moving habits, they can crawl around. Benton shared. His research also shows three pareiasaur species in China that have differences in tooth shape and body size.

The pareiasaur species in China lived in the end of the Permian.

The pareiasaur species in China lived in the end of the Permian, the period of the great extinction, 252 million years ago. During this time, intense volcanic eruptions in Russia caused global warming and created acid rain, causing 90% of animals to perish.

"We can use this information as a platform to learn how pareiasaur migrates and occupies different parts of the world," said Linda Tsuji, manager at the Royal Ontario, Canada Museum.