In the bed of the Aridagawa River in Wakayama Prefecture Japana new chapter of prehistoric history emerged from the depths of the Pacific Ocean.
Megapterygius wakayamaensis, also known as the “blue dragon,” is a recently discovered mosasaur fossil that marked a gamechanger paleontology and challenge our assumptions about ancient sea life.
Megapterygius wakayamaensis, an ancient marine predator, proved to be a rare and peculiar find.
Its fossils, approximately 72 million years old, exhibit the most complete features ever found in the Pacific Northwest and Japan.
This discovery fascinated paleontologists and revealed a animal unique and previously unknown.
A strange mosasaur
The highlight of this ancient reptile is its remarkably long hind fins, which surpass the front fins.
The peculiarity of these “large wings,” as the name suggests, challenges conventional understandings of the biomechanics of sea swimmers and raises speculation about their mode of locomotion.
Mosasaur fossils found Image: University of Cincinnati/Reproduction
The presence of a dorsal fin, unusual in mosasaurs and aquatic animals, creates an additional mystery about how this fin moves in the oceans. prehistoric.
Speculation about the exclusive use of these fins and the presence of the dorsal fin increase scientists' interest in the uniqueness of this marine predator.
Cultural and scientific heritage
In naming the species, scientists paid homage to the rich Japanese mythology, in which blue dragons known as “Soryu” play a prominent role.
This connection between science and culture adds an extraordinary layer to the narrative of Blue Dragon and illustrates the significance of this discovery at the intersection of natural history and cultural traditions.
Challenges and new discoveries
With this unique discovery, scientists face a fascinating challenge: unraveling the secrets of biology and the behavior of Megapterygius wakayamaensis.
Their characteristics challenge conventional understandings of mosasaurs, shed light on a previously unknown chapter of marine life on Earth, and challenge current understandings of mosasaur swimming.