Meet Vasuki Indicus — A 45-Foot Prehistoric Serpent From India’s Lost World Of Isolation And Collision

Forbes - Apr 22nd, 2025
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Fifty million years ago, India was a land of unique evolutionary experiments, isolated as it drifted northward from Gondwana. Among these were the madtsoiids, a now-extinct family of giant snakes that thrived before India collided with Asia. These snakes, such as the enormous Vasuki indicus found in Kutch, Western India, were formidable predators, stretching over 30 feet and overpowering mammals, reptiles, and small dinosaurs. Their fossils, discovered across continents, suggest a widespread distribution during their peak.

The collision of India with Eurasia opened pathways for these unique species to spread into new territories. Vasuki indicus, the largest madtsoiid ever discovered, highlights a lineage that evolved in isolation before potentially dispersing through southern Eurasia into North Africa. This discovery underscores India's role as a biological island that contributed uniquely evolved species to the rest of the world, showcasing the complex interplay between tectonics and evolution. The story of Vasuki, a creature adapted to the tropical wetlands of ancient India, enriches our understanding of prehistoric biodiversity and environmental adaptations.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article effectively presents a fascinating narrative about India's geological history and the discovery of Vasuki indicus, a massive prehistoric snake. It excels in clarity and engagement, using vivid descriptions and a logical structure to convey complex scientific concepts. While the factual accuracy is strong, the lack of explicit source attribution and transparency regarding the origins of the information limits the ability to fully verify the claims. The article maintains a balanced perspective but could benefit from exploring alternative viewpoints or broader implications. Overall, it provides an informative and engaging exploration of prehistoric life, appealing to readers interested in paleontology and natural history.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately describes India's geological history as a drifting landmass that led to unique evolutionary developments. The claim that India was once a floating island of evolutionary experiments aligns with scientific understanding of its tectonic movements and isolation. The description of Vasuki indicus as a massive snake from the madtsoiidae family is supported by fossil evidence indicating its size and characteristics. However, the narrative could benefit from more precise citations and references to the scientific studies that support these claims. Overall, the factual basis of the article is strong, with most claims verifiable through existing paleontological research.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced perspective on the evolutionary history of India and its impact on species like Vasuki indicus. It focuses primarily on the scientific narrative of geological and evolutionary events, without delving into alternative viewpoints or cultural implications beyond the naming of the snake. While it effectively highlights the scientific significance of the discovery, it could offer more context on the broader implications for current biodiversity studies or conservation efforts. The balance is maintained in the factual recounting, but lacks a wider range of perspectives that could enrich the discussion.

8
Clarity

The article is well-written, with clear language and a logical structure that guides the reader through the geological and evolutionary history of India. The narrative is engaging and informative, effectively conveying complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner. The use of vivid descriptions and analogies, such as comparing Vasuki indicus to modern pythons, aids comprehension. However, the article could benefit from a more detailed explanation of certain scientific terms or processes to ensure understanding by a general audience.

6
Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite sources, which affects the perceived reliability of the information. It appears to draw from credible scientific research, but without direct attribution, it is difficult to assess the authority of the claims. Including references to specific studies, researchers, or institutions would enhance the credibility and allow readers to verify the information independently. The lack of clear source attribution limits the ability to fully evaluate the quality and reliability of the reporting.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of disclosing the sources of its information and the methodology behind the claims. While it presents a coherent narrative, the absence of explicit references to scientific studies or expert opinions makes it challenging to assess the basis of the claims. The article could improve transparency by clearly stating the origins of its information and any potential biases or conflicts of interest. This would provide readers with a better understanding of the factors influencing the reporting.

Sources

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasuki_indicus
  2. https://www.sci.news/paleontology/vasuki-indicus-12873.html
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsRdQ6M0hHs
  4. https://www.thebrighterside.news/discoveries/gigantic-50-foot-long-snake-discovered-in-india
  5. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/ancient-snake-as-long-as-a-train-found-in-gujarat-is-this-the-real-vasuki/photostory/120317844.cms