Fossilized Snake the size of a bus.

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In summary, scientists have discovered the fossilized remains of a record-breaking snake in Colombia. This boa-like serpent was as long as a bus and lived 60 million years ago in a much hotter world. Its vertebrae suggest it weighed over 1 ton and measured 13 meters in length. This finding highlights the amazing diversity of life on Earth, although we may be thankful that this giant snake is no longer slithering around.
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baywax
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Life is varied, strange and wonderful!

PARIS (AFP) - Stunned scientists have found the fossilised remains of the world's greatest snake -- a record-busting serpent that was as long as a bus and snacked on crocodiles.


The boa-like behemoth ruled the tropical rainforests of what is now Colombia some 60 million years ago, at a time when the world was far hotter than now, they report in a study released on Wednesday.

The size of the snake's vertebrae suggest the beast weighed some 1.135 tonnes, in a range of 730 kilos (1,600 pounds) to 2.03 tonnes.

And it measured 13 metres (42.7 feet) from nose to tail, in a range of 10.64-15 metres (34.6-48.75 feet), they estimate.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/090204/top_news/science_palaeontology_animals_snake_offbeat_1
 
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  • #2
In particular, such forms of life are wonderful when safely dead, and not slithering about in my vicinity. :smile:
 
  • #3
I whole heartedly agree arildno. The size should not surprise us, considering the worm fossils are bigger then your forearm. Its all some giant perspective.
 

1. What is a "Fossilized Snake the size of a bus?"

A "Fossilized Snake the size of a bus" refers to a snake that lived millions of years ago and has been preserved in the form of a fossil. This particular snake is unique in size, as it is comparable to the size of a bus.

2. How big was the "Fossilized Snake the size of a bus?"

The exact size of the "Fossilized Snake the size of a bus" is not known, as it is based on estimations from the size of the fossil remains. However, based on the size of a standard school bus, it is estimated to be around 40-50 feet long.

3. What caused the "Fossilized Snake the size of a bus" to become extinct?

While the exact cause of extinction for this snake is unknown, scientists believe that it could have been due to changes in the environment, competition with other species, or natural disasters. It is also possible that it simply reached the end of its lifespan.

4. Where was the "Fossilized Snake the size of a bus" discovered?

The "Fossilized Snake the size of a bus" was discovered in a location that was once a suitable habitat for snakes, such as a warm and humid environment. This could have been in a forest, near a river, or in a swampy area.

5. How do scientists determine the age of the "Fossilized Snake the size of a bus"?

Scientists use a variety of methods to determine the age of a fossil, including radiometric dating, which measures the decay of radioactive elements, and relative dating, which compares the fossil to other fossils in the surrounding area. By using these methods, scientists can estimate the age of the "Fossilized Snake the size of a bus" to be millions of years old.

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