Source: NIE
Context: Ancient fossilised remains discovered in Megha village, Jaisalmer, have sparked speculation of being a Phytosaur fossil dating back to the Late Triassic–Jurassic period.
About Phytosaur fossil:
What it is?
- Phytosaurs are extinct, large, semi-aquatic reptiles resembling modern crocodiles, belonging to the order Phytosauria.
- They thrived during the Late Triassic and possibly Early Jurassic, showing features like long snouts, heavy armour, and diverse feeding adaptations.
Found in:
- Recent suspected fossil: Megha village, Fatehgarh subdivision, Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan.
- Earlier finds: Akal and Thaiyat (confirmed dinosaur remains), plus shark and marine fossils in the region.
Features:
- Fossil specimen: ~6–7 feet long, spine structure visible, possibly Jurassic-age.
- Morphological diversity: long-snouted (fish-eating), short-snouted (terrestrial prey), and high-snouted (generalist feeders).
- Distribution: Phytosaur fossils reported from India, Europe, North America, Brazil, Morocco, Thailand, Madagascar.
Significance:
- Enhances Jaisalmer’s reputation as a paleontological hotspot.
- Provides insights into prehistoric biodiversity, convergent evolution with crocodilians, and climate-fauna history of India’s Jurassic formations.
