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Fossils of Earliest Known Pterosaur Found
damn_registrars writes: "A fossil of the earliest known Pterosaur flying reptile was found recently in China. Named Kryptodrakon progenitor, it was described in a paper published yesterday in the journal Current Biology (abstract). Its wingspan was about a meter and a half, very small compared to its evolutionary descendents, whose wingspan reached over 10 meters. 'The pterosaurs remained largely unchanged for tens of millions of years — with characteristics like long tails and relatively small heads — and none became very big. But later during the Jurassic period, some developed anatomical changes that heralded the arrival of a new branch called pterodactyloids that eventually replaced the more primitive forms of pterosaurs. Many of these pterodactyloids had massive, elongated heads topped with huge crests, lost their teeth and grew to huge sizes. Perhaps the defining characteristic of the group is an elongation in the bone at the base of the fourth finger called the fourth metacarpal, and Kryptodrakon is the oldest known pterosaur to have this advance, the researchers said.'"
Kryptodrakon progenitor. I am getting a second dog, soon - this name might just fit the li'l bastard well.
Religous speak to God. Insane are spoken to by God. When all shut up, one can finally hear Shostakovich in peace
Pslashdoters know?
I think it should have been "Fossils of Earliest Known Pterodactyloid Found"
Republicans get about posts like this.
Quick - Clone it, make saddles, and me me me! I will train it!
I'm perfect for the job.
I fear little I understand and great with all animals.. and would die with a smile on my face trying to teach/communicate with such a critter.
The the reward!
Some people would be content flying airplanes!
Ha, the poor small minded people.
is coincidentally, the name of my penis.
"Father of the Hidden Dragon".
"Flyin' in just a sweet place,
Never been known to fail..."