A few days ago the news was released that scientists from the National University of Cuyo, in Argentina, found fossil remains of the well-known “dragon of death”, considered the largest flying reptile that has lived in South America.
Before the discovery, the Argentine scientists assured that it is the thanatosdrakon amaru either Deity Amaru, a species estimated to be approximately 86 million years old. The remains were found during civil works in rocks from the Cretaceous Period.
The remains found were the vertebrae belonging to the axial skeleton of one specimen, while bones of the anterior and posterior limbs of the appendicular skeleton were found in another.
They discover the largest Pterosaur in South America!
This is Thanatosdrakon amaru.
The study is led by the UNCUYO and Conicet researcher Leonardo Ortiz David.https://t.co/l50MYRH3Y7— UNCUYO (@UNCUYO) May 23, 2022
Pterosaurs (which are actually flying reptiles) were a very unique group of animals that lived from the Triassic to the Cretaceous and represent the first vertebrates to acquire the ability to actively fly. They are usually confused with dinosaurs, a closely related group.
– Dr. Leonardo Ortiz, Head of Excavation
After years of research, the team determined that due to the peculiar characteristics of the remains found, it is a new species of pterosaur, which until now is considered the largest that lived in South America and one of the largest in the world. .
Another relevant aspect is the state of preservation of the fossil remains, since it is unusual to find numerous large pterosaur bones in good condition. This aspect is crucial, since ‘Thanatosdrakon’ preserves elements never before discovered in other giant azhdarchids.
The size of the bones of this reptile shows that it is a giant specimen, since the largest has a wingspan of approximately nine meters and the smallest specimen is seven meters.
Source: Okchicas
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