The Oldest Fetus of Reptiles were Found

Mesosaurus. (Picture from: http://en.wikipedia.org/)

The oldest fossil reptile fetuses aged 280 million years old found in Uruguay and Brazil. Mesosaurus fossils, a type of ancient aquatic reptile, it is well preserved until the scientists can estimate the animal's own type of viviparous reproduction or childbirth. Mesosaurus were small alligator-like creatures that could go as long as 2m in length and probably fed on crustaceans from the early Permian.

The oldest fossil reptile fetuses. (Picture from: http://www.gizmodo.com.au/)

The findings, published in the journal Historic Biology was revealed by an international team, consisting of Graciela Piñeiroa, Jorge Ferigolob, Melitta Meneghelc and Michel Laurin, senior researcher Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique in Paris, France. The findings of the fetus that has become fossilized mesosaurus reveals the mechanism of reproduction ancient reptiles that had been unknown.

Mesosaurus egg reconstruction. (Picture from: http://www.gizmodo.com.au/)

In Brazil, the team also found that pregnant reptile fossil specimens revealed that the fetus remains in the uterus mesosaurus throughout their development. "It proves there is a possibility these reptiles are viviparous," said the research team. 

Fossil Mesosaur (Mesosaurus brasiliensis). Early Permian Period (286 to 258 million years ago). Irati formation. Brazil (Picture from: http://www.superstock.com/)

The assumption is also supported 26 mesosaurus adult specimens were excavated in Uruguay. All fossils were associated with a fetus or young people, who come from the same period as fossils from Brazil. "The largest is likely that young animals are cared for by one parent, which indicates the care of the mother," said a team of scientists. *** [SCIENCEDAILY | KORAN TEMPO 3850]

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