A decades-long mystery surrounding a giant pterosaur fossil has finally been solved, revealing it to be a supersized adult of the known species Rhamphorhynchus.
Unveiling the Identity of a Mysterious Pterosaur
The discovery of a large and anatomically unique fossilized skeleton has long been a subject of debate among paleontologists. A recent study published in PeerJ has finally shed light on the identity of this enigmatic specimen, revealing that it is actually a supersized adult of a known species.
A Giant Among Pterosaurs
Rhamphorhynchus was a snaggle-toothed pterosaur that lived during the Jurassic Period, around 150 million years ago. It is one of the most well-known pterosaurs, with over 100 fossilized remains discovered in Europe and Africa. However, one nearly complete fossil skeleton unearthed in southern Germany stood out from the rest due to its exceptionally large size.
A Single Species or a Distinct One?
The giant fossil was initially treated as a distinct species, but in 1995, a scientist proposed that all known Rhamphorhynchus specimens belonged to a single species, R. muensteri. Despite this theory, the larger-than-usual specimen left many questions unanswered.
A Deep Dive into the Mysterious Skeleton
Paleontologists David Hone and Skye McDavid conducted a thorough examination of the giant fossil, making detailed measurements of its skull and body compared to other Rhamphorhynchus specimens. They found that the animal would have had a 1.8-meter wingspan, making it over 60 percent larger than all but one of the largest known Rhamphorhynchus.
A Shift in Proportions
The researchers argue that the unique characteristics of the giant fossil are consistent with the stepwise shifts in proportions that pterosaurs and other animals experience as they grow. The Jurassic jumbo appears to be what R. muensteri eventually grows into, challenging previous theories about its identity.
A Change in Diet and Habitat
The study suggests that larger Rhamphorhynchus may have had a different diet than their smaller cousins. While the wee versions of the pterosaurs ate tiny shrimp and fish, the colossal adults may have included more terrestrial prey, such as lizards or small mammals, in their diet. This could have led to a change in their habitat, with larger Rhamphorhynchus heading inland along rivers and estuaries.
Understanding Pterosaur Biology
The discovery of this giant fossil contributes significantly to our understanding of pterosaur biology. As paleontologist Rudah Duque notes, “Every single stage of life is a slightly different animal.” This study highlights the importance of examining fossils from different life stages to gain insights into the evolution and development of these fascinating creatures.
A New Perspective on Pterosaur Evolution
The findings of this study offer a new perspective on pterosaur evolution. While some researchers argue that the larger size and unique features of the giant fossil are due to its age rather than a distinct species, others believe that it represents a shift in diet and habitat with increasing age.
Conclusion
The identification of the mysterious pterosaur as a supersized adult of R. muensteri is a significant discovery that sheds light on the evolution and development of these fascinating creatures. As paleontologists continue to study fossils from different life stages, we gain a deeper understanding of how pterosaurs grew throughout their lives and adapted to their environments.
- sciencenews.org | A mysteriously large pterosaur finally has an identity
