Revolutionary Discovery: 34-Million-Year-Old Snake Sheds New Light on Evolutionary History

Uncovering a fossil snake is often a tedious task. Paleontologists usually sift through fragments—scattered vertebrae and rib bits. So when a nearly complete skeleton is found, excitement fills the air. Recently, in western Wyoming, teams discovered four impressive snake fossils preserved in remarkable condition.

These fossils date back about 38 million years to the Oligocene period, characterized by cooler climates in North America. The snakes were found together in fine mudstone, suggesting they died within hours of one another. Initial studies pointed to two known species, but further analysis revealed something groundbreaking—a new species, dubbed Hibernophis breithaupti, which may change our understanding of snake evolution.

Researchers found significant differences in jaw structure and vertebrae among the skeletons compared to Ogmophis and Calamagras, leading to the classification of this new genus. These snakes were small burrowers, with the largest being twice as long as its companions. This size variation allows a glimpse into the life stages of the species, highlighting a unique aspect of its development.

Michael Caldwell, a paleontologist at the University of Alberta, was amazed by the find. He noted that while many disarticulated snake bones exist in museums, complete specimens are rare. This discovery offers a detailed view of over 200 vertebrae, enhancing our understanding of snake anatomy.

Through careful study, scientists analyzed the anatomy along with DNA sequences from living snakes to trace evolutionary links. Surprisingly, they found Hibernophis closely related to today’s boas, suggesting that the boa family had already begun diversifying in the early Oligocene.

The fossilized snakes appear to have shared a hibernation space, known as a hibernaculum, which is uncommon behavior among reptiles. Caldwell noted that this shows early communal living among snakes, a behavior not frequently observed today. Modern garter snakes exhibit similar traits, often gathering in large groups for warmth during cold months, showing a continuity in behavior across millions of years.

Remarkably, the excellent preservation of these fossils is attributed to nearby volcanic activity that laid down ash over the snakes. This fine ash sealed their burrows, creating an airtight environment that slowed decay. Geologically, the fossils are part of the White River Formation, known for its rich fossil record. A small flood eventually covered the snakes’ resting site, protecting them until discovery.

This significant find not only adds to the fossil record but also helps reshape our understanding of snake evolution and social behaviors. As more researchers delve into the implications of Hibernophis breithaupti, we may uncover even more about the rich history of snakes.

For an in-depth look at this study, check out the full publication in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society.

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