’Tanystropheus’ likely hunted by stealthily approaching its prey in murky water using its small head and very long neck to remain hidden. (Image: Emma Finley-Jacob)
'Tanystropheus' likely hunted by stealthily approaching its prey in murky water using its small head and very long neck to remain hidden. (Image: Emma Finley-Jacob) - Its neck was three times as long as its torso, but had only thirteen extremely elongated vertebrae: "Tanystropheus", a bizarre giraffe-necked reptile which lived 242 million years ago, is a paleontological absurdity. A new study led by the University of Zurich has now shown that the creature lived in water and was surprisingly adaptable. For over 150 years, paleontologists have puzzled over Tanystropheus , its strangely long neck and whether it lived mostly underwater or on land. An international team led by the University of Zurich has now reconstructed its skull in unprecedented detail using synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography (SRμCT), an extremely powerful form of CT scanning. In addition to revealing crucial aspects of its lifestyle, this also shows that Tanystropheus had evolved into two different species. Underwater ambush predator.
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