Question: A recently discovered species Kyhytysuka sachicarum belongs to which of the following animal?
a) Mosquito
b) Marine reptile
c) Frog
d) Snake
Answer: (b)
Related Facts:-
- Recently researchers discovered a new marine reptile species Kyhytysuka sachicarum.
- This new marine reptile species discovered by an international team of researchers from the countries Canada, Colombia and Germany.
- Kyhytysuka sachicarum is an extinct species.
- The team of researchers had discovered the new species, with a well-preserved metre-long skull, and is hailing it as one of the last surviving ichthyosaurs.
- Ichthyosaurs were ancient animals that resemble modern-day swordfish, according to a press release from McGill University.
- The team presented its findings in a study published this month in the Journal of Systematic Paleontology.
- According to McGill’s Redpath Museum Director Hans Larsson, this animal evolved a unique dentition that allowed it to eat large prey said.
- He said that other ichthyosaurs had small, equally sized teeth for feeding on small prey.
- This new species modified its tooth sizes and spacing to build an arsenal of teeth for dispatching large prey, like big fishes and other marine reptiles.
- Researchers decided to name the new species Kyhytysuka (central Colombian language word) which translates to one that cuts with something sharp.
- Researchers chose the name in honour of the ancient Muisca culture that lived in Villa de Leyva area for millennia.
- It was identified from fossils found in central Columbia when earlier scientists believed it belonged to the Platypterygius genus.
- The new species has been named Kyhytysuka sachicarum to praise the Muisca culture of central Columbia.