Eupodophis: Difference between revisions
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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*[http://paleopolis.rediris.es/cg/CG2003_A01_JCR-FE/index_uk.html The Cenomanian: stage of hindlimbed snakes] |
*[http://paleopolis.rediris.es/cg/CG2003_A01_JCR-FE/index_uk.html The Cenomanian: stage of hindlimbed snakes] |
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*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7339508.stm Ancient serpent shows its leg] Jonathan Amos, BBC News |
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[[Category:Snakes]] |
[[Category:Snakes]] |
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Revision as of 19:02, 16 November 2009
| Eupodophis Temporal range: Late Cretaceous
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| Genus: | Eupodophis
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| Species: | E. descouensi
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| Binomial name | |
| Eupodophis descouensi (Rage & Escuillié, 2000)
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Eupodophis is an extinct genus of snake from the Late Cretaceous period. The only species (also the type species), E. descouensi, had two legs, and is a "transitional form" between Cretaceous lizards and limbless snake.[1]
The fossilized specimen was 85 cm (33.5 in) long and is approximately 92 million years old (Cenomanian). It was found near the al-Nammoura village in Lebanon imprinted in limestone. It was described in 2000.[1][2]
The fossil skeleton was analyzed using synchrotron x-rays at the European synchrotron radiation facility in Grenoble, France.[3][4] The researchers determined that the hind limb on one skeleton was 0.8 inches long, with an "unmistakable" fibula, tibia and femur.[4] The feature, described as vestigial, was most likely useless to the creature, according to the researchers.[4]
See also
Other known fossil snakes with legs:
References
- ^ a b "Ancient serpent shows its leg". BBC. April 10, 2008. Retrieved April 10 2008.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|dateformat=ignored (help) - ^ Rage, J. C. & Escuillié, F. Un nouveau serpent bipède du Cénomanien (Crétacé). Implications phylétiques. C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris Earth Sci. 330, 513–520 (2000)
- ^ "Synchrotron X rays 'see' inside fossils - Telegraph". Retrieved 2008-04-16.
- ^ a b c "Fossilized Snake With Two Legs Found - Science - redOrbit". Retrieved 2008-04-16.
External links
- The Cenomanian: stage of hindlimbed snakes
- Ancient serpent shows its leg Jonathan Amos, BBC News
 | This article about a prehistoric reptile is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
.png){kind=small} | This snake article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
Fossil snakes | |
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| Genera with hindlimbs and a sacrum | |
| Simoliophiidae | |
| Madtsoiidae | |
| Dinilysiidae | |
| Boidae | |
| Pythonidae | |
| Palaeophiidae | |
| Viperidae | |
| Elapidae | |
| Psammophiidae | |
