Fossils of a flying “Dragon of Death” have been discovered in Argentina, according to new research. Scientists have unearthed partial remains of a colossal pterosaur, called Thanatosdrakon Amaruwhich is new to science, according to research published in the journal Cretaceous Research.
The ancient reptile lived in the Late Cretaceous period, 86 million years ago, and is the largest species of pterosaur ever discovered in South America, said study author Leonardo D. Ortiz David, general coordinator of the Dinosaur Laboratory and Museum at National University of Cuyo in Mendoza, Argentina.
In Greek, “Thanatos” means death and “drakon” means dragon, David said.
“Amaru was chosen as the species name because it represents an imposing deity in the cosmovision of some aboriginal peoples in South America,” he said.
Two different specimens were found in 2012 in the south of Mendozain the Plottier Formation, a group of sedimentary rocks containing remains of sauropods, theropods, turtles, crocodiles and pterosaurs, said David.
He has worked in the area for 12 years and said he was shocked to find the remains of pterosaurs, which were rare on the outcrops where he worked.
Flying reptiles belong to the family of pterosaurs called Azhdarchidae, and they have huge heads, elongated necks and short bodies, he said. The wingspan of the two specimens was about 7 and 9 meters, respectively, David said.
The larger specimen has an arm bone, while the smaller one has much of its body, legs and wings, said James Kirkland, a state paleontologist with the Utah Geological Survey, who was not involved in the study.
“It’s a very impressive find, as the giant bones of azhdarchid pterosaurs are so thin and delicate and very few are found, mainly because they are indoors,” Kirkland said.
The animal also sported a proportionately large head, but David said he didn’t know the purpose of that – if any.
Kirkland also said he didn’t know the reason for the massive head, but the corresponding beak could be used for eating, he said.
“The long, toothless beak may have served well for swallowing smaller prey whole, just like pelicans,” David said by email.
How to see the pterosaur
The fossils are being stored at the Dinosaur Laboratory and Museum in Mendoza.
The public cannot see the specimens because they are so valuable, but casts of some of the fossils from the two specimens were meant to be seen in the museum, David said.
There is also a full-size reconstruction on display, he added.
Discover the Peirópolis Dinosaur Museum, in Minas Gerais
Source: CNN Brasil
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