Scientists have discovered that a previously unknown new species of ancient snake exhibits rare reptilian social behavior.
When we think of snakes, we probably don’t think of them as social creatures—except for garter snakes, which gather in their hundreds during the winter months and hibernate. At the same time, most snakes on the planet still prefer to live a solitary lifestyle. But scientists are now discovering ancient snakes that appear to be more social than we thought, writes New Atlas .
In a new study, scientists have discovered four previously unknown fossils of ancient snakes. They belonged to the boa constrictor family and lived on the planet about 38 million years ago, but what is most curious is that representatives of this species exhibited strange social behaviors that are unnatural for most species living on the planet today.
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Researchers believe the find provides a rare glimpse into the social behavior of reptiles, as well as clues to the evolution of their modern ancestors. Paleontologists have discovered fossils of four hibernating snakes, helping scientists discover a new species and record the first clear evidence of reptile social behavior in the fossil record.
This behavior is truly unusual for reptiles, according to Michael Caldwell, a paleontologist in the Faculty of Science at the University of Alberta (Canada) and senior author of the study. Research shows that none of the approximately 15,000 different reptile species living on the planet today hibernate like garter snakes.
When temperatures drop, garter snakes seek underground shelters to hibernate. It is curious that hundreds, sometimes thousands of snakes, who have sheltered in place until spring arrive, may gather in a single hole or artificial structure. As soon as the weather warms up, the snakes will decide to leave their comfortable burrows.
Caldwell said the fossils of four ancient snakes grouped together have given paleontologists insight into the reptiles’ social behavior. Scientists also believe that modern garter snakes’ hibernation practice is likely an adaptation to help them survive the cold months.
The truth is that snakes can’t regulate their body temperature, so they need to find a way to conserve as much heat as possible during the winter. As a result, they’ve learned to gather in groups to stay warm.
Another thing that set these specimens apart was that the snakes were articulated, meaning they had the spinal bones in the correct order and alignment, which is unusual, Caldwell said.
The team also examined the unique anatomical features of the individuals and found that they belonged to a previously unidentified burrowing species in the boa family, or Boidae, Hibernophis breithaupti. The researchers also discovered that one of the snakes discovered was twice the size of the others, allowing the scientists to study the species at different stages of development.
It is known that unusual snake fossils have been found in the western part of what is now the US state of Wyoming.
Previously Focus He wrote that a new species of giant anaconda was discovered with the help of Will Smith.
Source: Focus
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