(CNN) Scientists have discovered a new lizard-like species that lurked in shallow water to pick off its prey -- with the help of a short, flat tail used as a float. The remains revealed a previously unknown species of nothosaur, with different features. Experts identified the 240 million-year-old remains as a previously unknown species of nothosaurs: small-headed marine reptiles with fangs, flipper-like limbs and a long neck. Usually, nothosaurs had a longer tail, which experts think was used for propulsion -- but the newly discovered reptile had a short and flat tail. With its thick and dense bones -- including vertebrae and ribs -- it was likely stocky and stout in appearance.

Source: CNN October 28, 2020 22:52 UTC