According to foreign media reports, researchers have discovered a new prehistoric marine organism nicknamed Sea Dragon, officially named Thalassodraco etchesi. This small marine reptile lived 150 million years ago in the late Jurassic period and appears to have evolved to the point where it could dive to extreme depths. It is understood that this biological fossil was found in the late Jurassic deep-sea sediments along the English Channel in Dorset, England.
This creature belongs to the ichthyosaurs, a group of creatures that are streamlined marine predators. However, the recently discovered samples have several differences, which are enough to give them their own genus and species. This particular specimen was discovered in 2009 and is believed to be about 6 feet long.
Steve Etches found it along the coastline after the cliff collapsed. Scientists say the animal's chest cavity is very deep, which could allow for the presence of larger lungs as well as more space for internal organs, which means they can be prevented from being crushed by pressure when diving into the deep sea.
In addition, this creature has very large eyes, allowing it to see very clearly in low-light conditions. Its mouth is full of hundreds of small teeth, suggesting that it may have fed on squid and small fish. Its teeth are extremely unique and completely smooth. The creature breathes on the surface of the water and has no scales.
Many aspects of these creatures are clearly still a mystery. Little is known about the biology of this animal, and scientists can only make assumptions based on the fossils found, because there is no similar life on Earth today. Hopefully, further research in the future will allow us to learn more about these ancient creatures.