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Ancient Anaconda Size Frozen in Time
2 Dec
Summary
- Anacondas reached maximum size 12.4 million years ago.
- Fossil study revealed ancient snakes were 4-5 meters long.
- Aquatic lifestyle aided anaconda survival through climate change.
Fossil evidence suggests that anacondas reached their maximum body size approximately 12.4 million years ago and have maintained this size ever since. Researchers examined 183 fossilized anaconda vertebrae found in Venezuela, belonging to at least 32 ancient snakes.
The study revealed that these Miocene anacondas measured between four to five meters in length, a size comparable to their modern Amazonian counterparts. This finding is significant because other large animals from the same period, like giant caimans and turtles, have since gone extinct.
The anaconda's remarkable resilience is attributed to its aquatic lifestyle and a generalist diet, which allowed it to adapt to changing environments. Even as global temperatures cooled and habitats shifted, the persistence of swampy environments provided the necessary conditions for these snakes to thrive.
