Tel Aviv University Scientists Discover Ancient Lizard

In depth

Researchers from Tel Aviv University found a tiny lizard tail preserved in amber. According to Ynet, the find provides the first direct evidence of the defense mechanism of lizards in the age of the dinosaurs.

According to Israel Hayom, the lizard was trapped in resin about 100 million years ago and left its coiled tail behind. The three-dimensional analysis confirmed for the first time that tail autotomy was active and deliberate, and according to Israel Hayom the fossil lay for years without being identified.

According to Walla, the study presents fossil evidence that lizards knew how to shed their tails to escape predators about 99 million years ago. According to Ynet, the researchers do not know what caused the lizard to shed its tail or whether it managed to escape.