Ancient Lizard Discovered in Burmese Amber
A piece of Burmese amber has yielded a completely new species for paleontology, named Electroscincus zedi. The ancient reptile was discovered within a piece of Burmite amber, found amidst Cretaceous rock outcrops in Myitkyina District, Kachin State, northern Myanmar.
A Glimpse into the Past
The creature, resembling a monstrous version of modern lizards, was depicted in vibrant colors in a graphical illustration. Researchers led by Dr. Juan Daza from Sam Houston State University analyzed the specimen and confirmed its status as a lizard, belonging to the skink family Scincidae.
The Oldest Known Skink
With a staggering age of 99 million years, Electroscincus zedi is the oldest known skink, a true lizard like those seen today, not a “lizard†like the massive reptiles of the dinosaur era.
A Unique Feature
It differs from all other known scaly lizards from the Mesozoic Era (comprising the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods) due to its unique overlapping double layer of bony scales encircling the body. This characteristic firmly places it within the Scincidae family.
Preserved in Amber
The preserved creature measures 3 cm from snout to vent, excluding the tail. While incomplete, it retains both postcranial skeletal elements and skin structures, offering valuable insights into the evolution of this lizard family.
A Diverse Family
The Scincidae family has exhibited diverse evolutionary pathways over time, boasting the widest range in body length, encompassing some of the smallest with body lengths of only a few centimeters, to the extinct Tiliqua frangens, which could reach half a meter or more.
Burmese Amber's Continued Importance
This discovery, published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports, once again highlights the importance of Burmese amber. This gem not only possesses beauty but has repeatedly provided the world with insights into extinct creatures from millions of years ago, especially small organisms that are difficult to preserve in typical fossilized forms.
Summary:
The discovery of Electroscincus zedi, a 99-million-year-old skink preserved in Burmese amber, offers a unique glimpse into the ancient past. This ancient reptile, unlike any other known from the Mesozoic Era, features a unique overlapping double layer of bony scales, placing it firmly within the Scincidae family. The discovery highlights the significance of Burmese amber in unearthing insights into ancient life, particularly smaller organisms that are rarely preserved in other fossilized forms. This groundbreaking find contributes to our understanding of the evolution and diversity of lizards throughout history.