34-Million-Year-Old Snake Fossils Shed New Light on Evolution

In Wyoming, field researchers have uncovered four snake fossils dating back approximately 34 million years. These fossils are notable for their exceptional preservation, with skulls, ribs, and tails found in near-perfect anatomical order. Typically, snake fossils are discovered as isolated vertebrae or rib fragments, making it difficult for paleontologists to reconstruct the full anatomy of ancient snakes. The discovery of nearly complete snake skeletons is therefore considered highly significant in the field of paleontology. Such well-preserved specimens can offer valuable information about the morphology, evolutionary history, and ecological adaptations of ancient snakes. This find may help scientists better understand the evolutionary transitions that occurred in snakes during the Eocene epoch, a period marked by significant climatic and environmental changes. The research was reported by Earth.com.