(NLĐO) - The "mermaid" in Venezuela belongs to an extinct species, and its skeleton provides stark evidence of the harsh realities of the Mesozoic ocean.
At a rocky outcrop in the Agua Clara Formation, south of Coro, Venezuela, paleontologists unearthed what they describe as the bizarre skeleton of a dugong, also known as a sea cow or "mermaid" in South Asian culture.
A "mermaid" fossil with many unusual features compared to its descendants tells the story of the wild seas of the Mesozoic era - Illustration by AI: Anh Thu
It's considered strange because the creature unearthed wasn't the dugong we see today, but an extinct species belonging to the extinct genus of mammals, Culebratherium.
Initially, scientists unearthed a skull, and later found several other bone fragments, enough for them to identify it as a strange ancient species.
Dating results indicate that this fossilized skeleton is 20 million years old, meaning it lived during the Miocene epoch.
Most remarkably, the "ghosts" of an ancient crocodile and a tiger shark were also revealed thanks to this "mermaid" skeleton.
The most visible bite marks correspond to the impact of the crocodile's teeth, which exert a concentrated pulling force on the animal's snout.
Additionally, there were numerous tiger shark bite marks on the skeleton. It's possible the animal's remains were contested by sharks. A tiger shark tooth was also found right next to the skeleton.
"Our findings add to the evidence that food chains millions of years ago functioned similarly to those today," Sci-News quoted Dr. Aldo Benites-Palomino, a paleontologist from the University of Zurich (Switzerland), as saying.
Additionally, results published in the Journal of Verterbrate Paleontology also analyze the role of dugongs in the ancient food chain in the region.
However, this is just the beginning.
Scientists say they are working to assemble what has been described as a bizarre "mermaid" skeleton. It is highly likely to be a new species.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/venezuela-bo-xuong-dac-biet-cua-nang-tien-ca-20-trieu-tuoi-196240901084916274.htm
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