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Amazon’s giant anacondas reached their peak size 12 million years ago, study shows
Researchers analyzed 183 fossil vertebrae from Venezuela showing anacondas have averaged 13 to 16 feet for 12 million years due to stable tropical habitats and abundant food.
- Ancient anacondas reached their maximum size of 4 to 5 meters long 12.4 million years ago during the Miocene period and have remained giants since then.
- Many animal species were much bigger during the Miocene due to warmer temperatures, extensive wetlands, and abundant food, but anacondas are one of the few survivors of that era's giants.
- While some Miocene giants like giant crocodiles and turtles went extinct, anacondas have proven resilient and still find enough suitable habitat and food sources to maintain their massive size today.
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Jornal de Notícias
Jornal de NotíciasThe anacondas are among the world's largest live snakes and usually measure between four and five meters of compression, they can reach seven meters on rare occasions.
·Portugal
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Anacondas are among the largest living snakes in the world.
The study found that anacondas reached their maximum size 12.4 million years ago and have remained giants ever since. Anacondas are usually four to five metres long and in rare cases can reach seven metres.
·Washington, United States
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Fossils reveal anacondas have been giants for over 12 million years
A University of Cambridge-led team has analyzed giant anaconda fossils from South America to deduce that these tropical snakes reached their maximum size 12.4 million years ago and have remained giants ever since.
·United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources34
Leaning Left3Leaning Right4Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution59% Center
Bias Distribution
- 59% of the sources are Center
59% Center
L 18%
C 59%
R 23%
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