Scientists officially unveil baffling 240-million-year-old 'Chinese dragon' skeleton

The discovery of a 240-million-year-old fossil from the Triassic period that resembles a mythical Chinese dragon has been officially unveiled by a team of international scientists. The skeleton was found in China's Liaoning province and is believed to be one of the most complete and well-preserved examples of its kind.

The fossil, which measures about 10 feet long and weighs several tons, has been tentatively named Yi qi, after the local deity who was said to have the body of a dragon and the head of a human or animal. The skeleton features a series of elongated limbs, sharp claws, and a set of large, bat-like wings that could have allowed it to glide through the air.

The discovery has sparked excitement among scientists, who believe that Yi qi may be one of the most bizarre creatures ever discovered. While some researchers have suggested that it may be related to modern-day birds or bats, others believe that it may represent an entirely new group of animals that existed during the Triassic period.

The fossil has been dated to around 240 million years ago, making it one of the oldest known examples of a flying creature. It is also believed to be one of the largest flying creatures ever discovered, with some estimates suggesting that it could have had a wingspan of up to 30 feet.

The discovery of Yi qi has already provided scientists with valuable insights into the evolution of flying animals and the diversity of life that existed during the Triassic period. Further research on this fascinating fossil is sure to yield even more exciting discoveries in the future.