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Discovery of rare Jurassic-era 'sword dragon' marine reptile may unravel an evolutionary enigma - Pulptastic
- Pioneering early Jurassic ichthyosaur, Xiphodracon goldencapsis, reveals earlier evolutionary changes in the group.
- The fossil, found at Golden Cap in 2001, is notable for its sword-like snout and large eye socket.
- Researchers link distinctive nostril structures to evolutionary timing of ichthyosaur diversification.
- The team estimates Xiphodracon reached about 10 feet in length and fed mainly on fish and squid.
- The discovery helps illuminate faunal turnover and early ichthyosaur evolution during the Pliensbachian.
- The specimen dates to the Early Jurassic, dating the evolutionary timeline earlier than some prior assumptions.
- The study, led by Dr. Dean Lomax, is published in Papers in Palaeontology and adds a missing piece to ichthyosaur history.
- Xiphodracon may fill gaps in the ichthyosaur puzzle by showing earlier evolutionary changes.
- The discovery was announced with collaboration among international researchers and museum partners.
- The fossil, well-preserved in three dimensions, provides robust anatomical details for analysis.
- Papers in Palaeontology published the study outlining new ichthyosaur features.
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