Sometimes the greater discoveries do not arise on a excavation site, but in Discreet backpins of a museum. This is exactly what has just happened to Wooden maggotin Germany.
Indeed, a sea fossil Forgotten for almost fifty has just been identified as a unknown species : Plesectectes longicolluman exceptionally long plesiosaur with a neck. This rediscovery could well transform our understanding of first stages of evolution of these marine reptiles.
How a fossil forgotten since 1978 has become a unique species thanks to the new analyzes
The Holzmaden fossiliferous sitefamous for his Posidonia shaleshas offered marine fossils for more than a century of spectacular conservation. In 1978paleontologists have found a complete skeleton.
They transferred him to State Museum of Natural History de Stuttgartwhere he was cataloged under the reference SMNS 51945. However, the researchers of the time classified him among already known species, which led to his oblivion in the reserves.
Recently, Sven Sachs et Daniel Madzia have decided to Rexaminate this specimen UsingModern analysis tools. Their work revealed a unpublished combination anatomical characteristics. Thus, the study published in Peerj confirms that this is indeed a new species.
In addition, the fossil kept Fossilized soft fabricsan extremely rare detail which increases its scientific importance.
A 3.2 -meter plesiosaur with a 1.25 meter neck and a record number of cervical vertebrae
Plesectectes longicollum measured approximately 3.2 metersdont 1.25 meters Only for the neck. Researchers have counted at least 43 cervical vertebraewhich constitutes a record For the plesiosaurs of this period. Thanks to this slender anatomy, the animal could probably discreet.
Analyzes also show a V provision neurocentral sutures and Low neural thorns. These two traits rarely appear together. Despite a very damaged skull, scientists have identified a posterior bone outgrowth unusual. Furthermore, the structure of bone belts and members suggest a Specific adaptation.
Even if the individual was still young, he already presented stable characters. This is why the researchers created a new genre and a new species.
Why this rediscovery upsets our vision of the evolution of plesiosaurs
This find perfectly illustrates the importance of Require the collections museums. Thanks to modern technologies, it becomes possible to reveal the invisible. Indeed, as pointed out Phys.orgthis discovery repels the appearance of certain evolutionary features much earlier than expected.
Forgotten during five decades, Plesectectes longicollum Now comes the front of the scientific scene. With sound cou interminableit offers researchers a New key index To better understand The evolution of marine reptiles.