Trapped in Rock: 3D Fossils of Ancient Flying Monsters Reveal Surprising Insights
According to Sci-News, scientists have unearthed extremely valuable 3D fossils of two ancient flying monsters from the Late Cretaceous period (approximately 100-65 million years ago) in Jordan’s chalk formations.
One of the specimens belongs to an unknown species of pterosaur, with a wingspan of up to 5 meters, which has recently been named Inabtanin alarabia.
The other specimen is from the known species Arambourgiania philadelphiae, boasting a wingspan of up to 10 meters.
Giant flying monster Arambourgiania philadelphiae – (Graphic: Mark Witton).
Paleontologist Kierstin Rosenbach from the University of Michigan (USA), the lead author of the study on the two specimens, stated: “Our team was incredibly surprised to find 3D-preserved pterosaur bones; this is a very rare phenomenon.”
3D fossils are extremely rare, particularly for pterosaurs, which have relatively delicate skeletons adapted for flight.
This type of fossil not only retains the structure of the animal when it was alive but can also reveal how their bodies functioned.
In this case, the two specimens appeared to be “trapped” in rock, providing scientists with insights into the different flight capabilities of the largest members of the pterosaur family.
Researchers utilized high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scanning to analyze the internal structure of the wing bones.
The specimen Arambourgiania philadelphiae features hollow wing bones, containing a series of spiral ridges, similar to those found in vulture wing bones.
These spiral grooves are believed to enhance resistance against the twisting forces associated with flight, suggesting this creature likely had a flight style akin to modern birds like vultures and albatrosses.
In contrast, the wing bones of Inabtanin alarabia show details resembling the wings of today’s flapping birds.
You might imagine a hummingbird scaled up thousands of times, combined with the “appearance” of a dinosaur.
The flight styles of two giant pterosaurs in Jordan are very different – (Graphic: Terryl Whitlatch).
Thus, the flying monsters of Jordan once again demonstrate the diversity of dinosaurs and the surprising similarities they share with modern birds. Today, birds are often regarded as the last descendants of dinosaurs.
This study was recently published in the scientific journal Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
