Eupodophis years old. It was found in Cenomanian-age limestone near the al-Nammoura village in Lebanon. "Eupodophis" was a marine snake that lived in the Mediterranean Tethys Ocean. It had a laterally compressed body and short, paddle-like tail. The vertebrae and ribs of "Eupodophis" are pachyostotic, or thickened, as an adaptation to a marine lifestyle. The pelvic bones are small and weakly attached to each other. Tarsal bones are present but reduced in size and form. The metatarsals and phalanges of the foot are absent. The fossil skeleton of "Eupodophis" was analyzed using synchrotron x-rays at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in
Phalanx bone terminal phalanges and fused metacarpal bones able to absorb the stress from running. The sloth spends its life hanging upside-down from branches, and has highly specialized third and fourth digits for the purpose. They have short and squat proximal phalanges with much longer terminal phalanges. They have vestigial second and fifth metacarpals, and their palm extends to the distal interphalangeal joints. The arboreal specialization of these terminal phalanges makes it impossible for the sloth to walk on the ground where the animal has to drag its body with its claws. Phalanx bone The phalanges (singular: "phalanx" ) are digital bones