Scientists find fossil of an ancient snake could explain the origin or evolution of snakes. Studies conducted on the fossil was published in the journal Nature on Wednesday (07/25/2012).
The study shows, the snake came from the mainland, rather than from the sea as long as is expected. Snakes are thought to have evolved from lizards burrow diggers who lost his leg.
During this time, the origin of snakes is still being debated. Studies is difficult because the lack of intermediate fossils of animals (animals that have the characteristics of the serpent and his ancestors).
Ancient snake fossil Coniophis precedens newly discovered in eastern Wyoming, United States, could help unravel the mystery. It comes from the 65-70 million years ago.
Nicholas Longrich analysis conducted at Yale University revealed that Coniophis precedens live in wet areas and is incapable of movement in water. Fauna that can be said to be half snake half lizard.
"These animals are likely to have small feet," said Longrich told the BBC on Thursday (7/26/2012).
Ancient serpent with a small size and characteristics of the bone diggers bekalangnya categorized as animal burrows. This primordial snake prey is large soft-bodied fauna.
Another feature, that ancient serpent who do not have a jaw like a snake modern flexible so can not eat prey larger than its body.
"Genesis of Serpentes (snakes biological name) starts from the evolution of the movement, followed by an adaptation that facilitates the activity of consuming larger prey that eventually allows the snake to exploit a wider ecological niche," said the researchers in their publications.
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