The Tanystropheus dinosaur ambushed fish and squid using its long neck.
Emma Finley-Jacob: University of Zurich
Swiss paleontologists have solved a 242-million-year puzzle of the mysterious Tanystropheus dinosaur, whose extra-long neck has previously baffled experts. Advanced scanning techniques have shown the creature was adapted to the water rather than land.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/mga
Experts have been puzzling over the exact role of the Tanystropheus’s elongated neck, which was as long as its body and tail combined. Some theorised that the feature could have given the dinosaur access to tree foliage, much as today’s giraffe.
But a team from the University of Zurich says it has proof that the dinosaur was a water dwelling ambush hunter. They found this by examining skull remains using a scanning tool known as synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography. This allowed them to precisely recreate a complete 3D visualisation of the skull from the fragments.
The scans revealed features of adaptation to the water, such a nostrils located at the top of the skull and curved teeth designed to catch slimy creatures like fish. The length of the neck is believed to have allowed Tanystropheus to better ambush its prey.
“He probably hunted by swimming slowly through murky water and secretly approaching his prey,” said lead author of the study and University of Zurich paleontologist Stephen Spiekman in a statement. “His small head and very long neck helped him stay hidden for as long as possible.”
The team also identified two separate species of the dinosaur; a larger one that hunted fish and squid and a smaller version that likely ate shellfish and crabs.
Popular Stories
More
Climate adaptation
Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
Swiss president kicks off National Day celebrations on Rütli meadow
This content was published on
Several hundred people gathered on the Rütli in central Switzerland at midday on Friday to celebrate the national Swiss holiday, before Karin Keller-Sutter addressed the crowd.
US sets deadline for Novartis and other pharma firms to lower prices
This content was published on
US President Donald Trump says he has sent letters to Swiss giant Novartis and other pharma firms calling for lower drug prices in the United States – or face retaliation.
Around 25,000m3 of rockfall registered in Swiss village of Brienz
This content was published on
More rock has come loose in the eastern Swiss village of Brienz than initially assumed following rainfall last weekend, said a new situation report published on Friday.
Swiss government reacts with ‘great regret’ to new US tariffs
This content was published on
The Swiss government says it will continue to strive for a negotiated solution after the United States imposed 39% tariffs on the Alpine country.
Switzerland testing AI tools to make scarecrows more effective
This content was published on
The Swiss agricultural research centre Agroscope is testing an AI system to more effectively prevent damage to agricultural crops caused by crows and rooks.
UN in Geneva calls for reform of tariffs on plastics
This content was published on
The United Nations is calling for a reform of customs tariffs on plastics, which are lower than those imposed on alternatives, ahead of negotiations for a treaty to limit plastic pollution.
Two robots play hide-and-seek in space with Swiss help
This content was published on
Robots developed separately have worked together at the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time, helped in part by a control centre in Switzerland.
Giant Swiss flag torn by the wind at the foot of mountain
This content was published on
A giant Swiss flag tore as it was rolled out on a grassy slope at the foot of a mountain ahead of August 1 National Day celebrations.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
New dinosaur species discovered in Switzerland
This content was published on
An early example of a therapod – bipedal and carnivorous – dinosaur uncovered in Switzerland belongs to a previously unknown genus and species.
This content was published on
A team of paleontologists from the Natural History Museum in Basel found last week the footprints of a predatory dinosaur at 3,300 metres in Ela Nature Reserve, Switzerland’s largest park. Basel museum officials said on Saturday that the tracks also represent the largest known specimens from the time period. The prints are 40cm long and…
This content was published on
The Piguet auction house in Geneva has sold a 70 million-year-old dinosaur called “Maximus” as part of a rare paleontology collection.
This content was published on
Swiss palaeontologists have discovered a fish jaw featuring rows of reserve teeth with a clever rotating replacement system.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.