Terastiodontosaurus Marcelosanchezi: Discovery of a New Species
The newly discovered species Terastiodontosaurus marcelosanchezi, lived during the Eocene period, approximately 50 million years ago. This giant worm lizard species was discovered during fieldwork in the Djebel Chambi National Park of Tunisia. Expert examinations show that this creature measured over 1 meter in size, making it the largest known worm lizard.
Characteristics of Worm Lizards
Worm lizards are a group of reptiles known for their limbless, worm-like body structure. This group includes many species, both extinct and living today. General characteristics of worm lizards include:
- Elongated Body Structure: Their limblessness makes them suitable for living underground.
- Diminished Eyes: Their eyes are generally primitive in structure and are an appropriate adaptation for species living underground.
- Hard and Ring-like Scales: These scales protect their bodies and are ideal for their underground life.
- Strong Jaws: This jaw structure helps them feed on small invertebrates and insects, increasing their hunting abilities.
The Discovery and Importance of Terastiodontosaurus
Lead author of the study George Georgios, noted that this species is quite large by amphibian standards. Worm lizards, which live mostly underground, are generally smaller in size. This is Terastiodontosaurus marcelosanchezi The discovery of this species shows how important it is for our understanding of evolutionary diversity and adaptation among reptiles.
Fossil Studies and Biological Features
Terastiodontosaurus was identified based on jaw and vertebrae fossils from at least 11 individuals. Fossil studies suggest that this species probably spent most of its time at the surface. Unlike its modern relatives, this species' powerful jaws and thick tooth enamel suggest that it was capable of breaking through a variety of snail shells with ease.
Evolutionary Process and Its Dimensions
According to fossil findings, TerastiodontosaurusThe lizard's estimated skull length is over 5 inches (XNUMX cm). Compared to related species, this makes it the largest known worm lizard. Krister Smith, the size of this species allows worm lizards to have the potential to grow as large as snakes and therefore Titanoboa Titanoboa was a pioneer snake that could reach lengths of about 13 meters, highlighting the evolutionary importance of Terastiodontosaurus.
Connections to Today
This new species is closely related to the modern checkerboard worm lizard, native to North Africa. Both species Trogonophid A small worm known as the lizard belongs to the lizard family. Research has shown that Terastiodontosaurusdocumenting “extreme” and “unique” dental features, such as a large tusk in the upper jaw and flat molars, identifying it as a new species of worm lizard.
Conclusion: Contribution to the World of Science
The discovery of Terastiodontosaurus marcelosanchezi is not only a fossil find, but also a source of important information on the evolution of reptiles. It shows how this species adapted to the climatic conditions and ecosystem of North Africa, thus making it possible to better understand the connections with modern reptiles.
