Reptile’s Live Birth Discovered In 248-Million-Year Old Fossil

The live birth of a reptile was preserved in a 248-million-year-old fossil. The Mesozoic fossil, which was discovered in China, contains a female ichthyosaur and three embryos.

One of the embryos is still inside the mother and second is stuck in the birth canal. The third was located outside the mother and is believed to have been stillborn.

Ryosuke Motani, with the University of California, led the study. He said the fossil is unique, as the embryos appear to have emerged head-first. In animals that give birth on land, the embryos are born head-first. However, in animals that give birth under water, the embryos are born tail-first.

Ichthyosaurs, also called sea monsters, are marine reptiles. Scientists have concluded that the giant creatures started out as land reptiles. However, they eventually began living in the sea. Researchers believe they are one of the first land animals to become aquatic.

Although the species eventually became aquatic, the position of the embryos within the fossil suggests the Ichthyosaurs returned to land to give birth. Prior to the discovery, scientists believed live births evolved in water. Motani admits the fossil proves their “assumption was wrong.

The live birth reptile fossil raises some interesting questions about the evolution of ancient reptiles. As reported by National Geographic, researchers believe ancient reptile birthing methods “have evolved more than 100 times in history.”

Research suggests reptiles changed from land to sea birth numerous times before they evolved to lay eggs. In modern times, most reptiles lay eggs. Some reptiles, including many snakes, give birth to their young. However, their embryos develop inside eggs, which hatch before they travel through the birth canal.

Motani also noted that the ichthyosaur fossil is the oldest ever found. Z News reports that the newly discovered fossil suggests the sea monsters existed at least 10 million years earlier than previously thought.

To date, scientists have discovered 80 different species of the ichthyosaur. The first sea monster fossils were discovered in the early 1800s. Also called the fish lizard, the ancient creatures were eel-like, with long and slender necks, bodies, and tails.

Although their appearance suggests a marine animal, the ichthyosaur also shares several characteristics with reptiles.

Scientists have gathered a wealth of information about the unique creatures. However, much remains unknown. The most recent discovery proves that all of their current theories are simply educated guesses.

Discovering the live birth of a reptile preserved in a fossil is not only fascinating, it will also give scientists an opportunity to refine their previous theories.

Photos of the unique fossil: HERE and HERE

[Image via Wikimedia]