Scientists have found a fossil of a pre-mammalian reptile called Euchambersia therapsid. It has lived in South Africa about 260 million years ago.
Apparently, scientists have found the first evidence of the oldest mammal to produce venom. A pre-mammalian reptile named therapsid Euchambersia, which is as big as a dog has been discovered to have a space in it skull for venom storage. The CT scans of its fossils showed anatomical features, designed for venom production.
According to Science Daily, this pre-mammalian reptile, the therapsid Euchambersia, has to have venom to protect itself. In order to survive the harsh environment, it is in, it has developed a deep and circular fossa. They were placed behind its canine teeth in the upper jaw. Lethal poisonous cocktail is produced and delivered straight into the mouth through a fine network of bony grooves and canals.
About 260 million years ago pre-mammalian reptile therapsid Euchambersia has lived in the Karoo, near Colesberg in South Africa. Mail Online has reported that this pre-mammalian reptile, the therapsid Euchambersia, is not related to snakes at all. There were two fossils that were found in 1932 and in 1966. They were found just a few centimeters apart from each other in the farm Vanwyksfontein.
"This is the first evidence of the oldest venomous vertebrate ever found, and what is even more surprising is that it is not of a species that we expected it to be," Dr. Julien Benoit, a researcher at the Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa and lead author of the study, said.
Snakes are not as old as the Euchambersia. The fossil record of snakes disappeared about 167 million years ago. Unlike the pre-mammalian Euchambersia, it is dated at 260 million years ago. They have existed even before the first snake was born.
