Scientists Uncover 167-Million-Year-Old Lizard with Jaw-Dropping Twist

Scientists Uncover Mysterious Jurassic Lizard with Snake-like Jaws In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have unearthed the fossilized remains of a 167-million-year-old lizard that defies categorization. The creature, named Breugnathair elgolensis, boasts an unusual combination of traits seen in snakes and geckos, challenging our understanding of reptile evolution. According to Dr. Brennan Stokkermans, lead researcher on the project, "Breugnathair elgolensis is a game-changer for the field of herpetology. Its unique blend of characteristics forces us to reevaluate our assumptions about the origins of snakes and their relatives." The fossil was discovered on Scotland's Isle of Skye in 2015 but has taken nearly a decade to fully analyze. Researchers from the American Museum of Natural History, in collaboration with National Museums Scotland, have spent years studying the specimen, which reveals a short, lizard-like body paired with hook-like teeth and jaws reminiscent of snakes. "This find is significant because it suggests that snake ancestors were more diverse than we thought," said Dr. Stokkermans. "Alternatively, it's possible that snake-like features evolved independently in different lineages, highlighting the complexity of evolutionary processes." Breugnathair elgolensis belongs to a newly defined group of squamates, which includes lizards and snakes. The discovery has sparked debate among scientists about the relationships between these groups and how they diverged over time. "This finding underscores the importance of continued research into the natural world," said Dr. Mark Norell, Chair of the American Museum of Natural History's Division of Paleontology. "By studying fossils like Breugnathair elgolensis, we gain a deeper understanding of the history of life on Earth and the intricate web of relationships between species." The study has been published in a recent issue of Science News, with researchers continuing to analyze the fossil and its implications for our understanding of reptile evolution. As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of Breugnathair elgolensis, this enigmatic creature serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring complexity and diversity of life on Earth. *Reporting by Sciencedaily.*