[Rockhounds] 34-Million-Year-Old Snake Discovered in Wyoming Changes Our Understanding of Evolution

[Kreigh Tomaszewski]

A newly discovered fossil snake species in Wyoming is transforming our
understanding of snake evolution. Unearthed from a burrow where four
well-preserved specimens were found intertwined, this species, named
*Hibernophis
breithaupti*, lived in North America 34 million years ago. This discovery
provides valuable insights into the origins and diversification of boas and
pythons.

*Hibernophis breithaupti* has unique anatomical features, in part because
the specimens are articulated—meaning they were found all in one piece with
the bones still arranged in the proper order—which is unusual for fossil
snakes. Researchers believe it may be an early member of Booidea, a group
that includes modern boas and pythons. Modern boas are widespread in the
Americas, but their early evolution is not well understood. These new and
very complete fossils add important new information, in particular, on the
evolution of small, burrowing boas known as rubber boas.

https://scitechdaily.com/34-million-year-old-snake-discovered-in-wyoming-changes-our-understanding-of-evolution/