Anacondas have been giants for over 12 million years, reveals study

The study found that anacondas reached their maximum size 12.4 million years ago and have remained giants ever since. (Andres Alfonso-Rojas via SWNS)

By Stephen Beech

Anacondas have been giants of the animal world for over 12 million years, reveals new research.

Anacondas have been giants for over 12 million years, reveals study

Lead researcher Andrés Alfonso-Rojas loves working with living snakes as well as fossils. (University of Cambridge via SWNS)
Anacondas have been giants for over 12 million years, reveals study

The team measured 183 fossilized anaconda backbones, representing at least 32 snakes, discovered in Falcón State in Venezuela, South America. (Jason Head via SWNS)
Anacondas have been giants for over 12 million years, reveals study

It was previously thought that anacondas must have been even bigger in the past when it was warmer, because snakes are particularly sensitive to temperature. (Jorge Carrillo-Briceño via SWNS)

Originally published on talker.news, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.

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