Fossil evidence from Dinosaur Provincial Park reveals a crocodile-like creature bit a juvenile flying reptile 76 million years ago, offering insight into predator-prey dynamics during the Cretaceous period.
Fossil evidence discovered in southern Alberta suggests a crocodile-like creature bit a flying reptile 76 million years ago. Researchers from the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, the University of Reading, and the University of New England collaborated on this study, published in the Journal of Paleontology.
The fossilized neck bone of a juvenile pterosaur was found in Dinosaur Provincial Park, displaying a distinct four-millimeter-wide circular puncture mark consistent with a crocodilian tooth. This discovery provides invaluable insight into predator-prey dynamics during the Cretaceous period in Alberta.Researchers emphasize the rarity of finding such direct evidence of predation on pterosaurs. The delicate nature of pterosaur bones makes fossilized bite marks exceptionally uncommon. This particular specimen, belonging to a young azhdarchid pterosaur with an estimated wingspan of two meters, highlights the vulnerability of juvenile pterosaurs. 'These azhdarchids are a bit of a mystery,' said Dr. Caleb Brown, lead author of the study and a researcher from the Royal Tyrrell Museum. 'Any unique little tidbits of information we can put into there, especially when they're of direct evidence, is really key.' The fossil was meticulously analyzed using micro-CT scans to confirm that the puncture mark originated from a bite rather than damage incurred during fossilization or excavation. This finding corroborates a previous discovery in Europe where a crocodilian was found to have consumed an azhdarchid, solidifying the occurrence of this predator-prey interaction.
Fossil Pterosaur Crocodilian Alberta Cretaceous Period Predator-Prey Dinosaur Provincial Park
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Creature Illustrations by Bored Panda Community ModeratorA Bored Panda community post moderator shares a collection of their high-resolution creature illustrations, available for free download as a PDF.
Read more »
'Iguana be your friend': Police respond to loose 'lizard' on B.C. highwayTurns out the four-legged creature was not a real animal but a toy.
Read more »
GTA school board upholds policy that prohibits flying the Pride flagTrustees with the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) reaffirmed their policy that prohibits the Pride flag from being flown at schools.
Read more »
Scientists Create Effective Method to Use Mosquitoes as “Flying Syringes” to Vaccinate Humans against MalariaA genetically altered plasmodium triggers an immune system response without causing disease. While the research is promising, the term 'flying syringes' is causing concern, as is the connection to Bill Gates.
Read more »
Flying Cars Take Flight: Companies Race to Make Air Taxis a RealityJoby Aviation and Archer Aviation are testing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft with the goal of transforming transportation with air taxis.
Read more »
New permit needed as of today for Canadians flying across the pondAir Canada flight leaving Charlottetown Airport, P.E.I. Taken January 2020.
Read more »