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Pterosaurs

All articles tagged with #pterosaurs

Scientists Reevaluate Pterosaur Flight Origins

Originally Published 6 months ago — by The Conversation

Featured image for Scientists Reevaluate Pterosaur Flight Origins
Source: The Conversation

Scientists have revised their understanding of pterosaur evolution by identifying their closest relatives, lagerpetids, and analyzing fossil distributions and climate models, suggesting that early pterosaurs lived in warmer, more diverse habitats than previously thought, and that their origins may date back earlier than the first fossils indicate.

'Brazil Unearths Ancient Creature Resembling 'Edward Scissorhands''

Originally Published 2 years ago — by Livescience.com

Featured image for 'Brazil Unearths Ancient Creature Resembling 'Edward Scissorhands''
Source: Livescience.com

Paleontologists in Brazil have discovered the remains of an ancient reptile, named Venetorapter gassenae, that lived around 230 million years ago during the Triassic period. Resembling Edward Scissorhands, the reptile had massive hands and long, sword-like claws, which may have been used for catching prey or climbing trees. It had a large beak for consuming insects, fruits, and small animals. The unique skeletal features suggest that Venetorapter gassenae represents a transition from lagerpetids to pterosaurs, indicating that lagerpetids were more diverse than previously thought. Further discoveries of this creature may provide more insights into its diet, appearance, and habitat.