New genus and species of azhdarchid pterosaur named Infernodrakon Hastacollis It was discovered by a team of paleontologists from Idaho State University, Queen Mary University in London and the University of Wisconsin.
The newly described palace now resided in North America during the late Cretaceous Epoch period, about 67 million years ago.
It has been named Infernodrakon Hastacollisspecies had wingspans of 3-4 m (10-13 feet).
It was a species of Azdaltid, a pterosaur family known primarily from the late Cretaceous period.
Azhdarchids is one of the most successful pterosaur groups and contains several species with wing bones between 9-12 m (29.5-39.4 feet).
Their huge size was guided as to whether they were not flying, but a species called the Azdaltid species Quetzalcoatlus Northropi It is often considered one of the biggest flying animals in history.
“A significant number of Azhdarchid Pterosaurus fossils have been recovered from the Maastrichtian sediments in North America,” says Idaho State University paleontologist. Henry Thomas And his colleagues wrote in their papers.
“Historically, most of these specimens have been mentioned. Quetzalcoatlus Based on a preliminary understanding of the genus. ”
“More research Quetzalcoatlus Other azdaltides also increase understanding of clade anatomy and diversity, and ensure a reevaluation of specimens that previously mentioned this genus. ”
Single neck vertebrae Infernodrakon Hastacollis It was discovered in 2002 Hell Creek Formation In Montana, USA.
The specimen was originally assigned Quetzalcoatlus Genus.
Using laser scanning techniques, Thomas and his co-authors reconstructed the specimen morphology, revealing both unique and unique character combinations.
“We therefore assign this specimen to a new genus and species of medium-sized azdaltide. Infernodrakon HastacollisThey said.
“The phylogenetic analysis will be restored Infernodrakon Hastacollis It's more closely related Aramburg guinea twist Quetzalcoatlus. ”
Team's paper It was published in Journal of VertebratePaleontology.
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Henry N. Thomas et al. Infernodrakon Hastacollis Gen. et sp. November, a new Azdaltid pterosaur from the Hell Creek Formation in Montana, and plant diversity in the Mastrichtian in North America. Journal of VertebratePaleontologyreleased online on February 28th. 2025; doi:10.1080/02724634.2024.2442476
Source: www.sci.news
