76-million-year-old fossil shows rare crocodile-like bite on flying reptile
A fossil unearthed in the badlands of Alberta, Canada, has offered a rare glimpse into the interactions between ancient reptiles that lived over 76 million years ago. Researchers studying the remains of a young flying reptile have found what appears to be clear evidence of a crocodile-like predator bite, making it an unusual and scientifically valuable discovery from the Late Cretaceous period.
Bone with a bite:
Pterosaur fossil
found with tooth mark
The fossil, a small neck bone of a juvenile pterosaur, was discovered in July 2023 during a field course led by Dr Brian Pickles from the University of Reading. After a detailed analysis, scientists identified a puncture wound on the bone, which they believe was caused by the tooth of a crocodilian species from the same era.
The research was conducted jointly by scientists from the University of Reading, the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology (Canada), and the University of New England (Australia).
According to the team, micro-CT scans confirmed the mark was not the result of post-burial damage or fossilisation but a bite that likely occurred during the animal's lifetime or shortly after its death.
Fragile fossil, uncommon evidence
Pterosaur bones, due to their lightweight and hollow structure, rarely preserve well. This makes any fossilised sign of damage or interaction with other animals a rare find. As quoted by the BBC, according to Dr Caleb Brown from the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, 'Pterosaur bones are very delicate, so finding fossils where another animal has clearly taken a bite is exceptionally uncommon.'
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting
Luxeartisanship
Buy Now
Undo
Dr Brown, who is the lead author of the research paper, further said, 'This specimen being a juvenile makes it even rarer.'
The juvenile is believed to have belonged to the Azhdarchid group of pterosaurs. Researchers estimate this individual had a wingspan of about 2 metres. In contrast, adults of the same group were significantly larger, reaching wingspans of up to 10 metres.
Insight into Cretaceous ecosystems
Dr Brian Pickles, under whose supervision the discovery was made, highlighted the importance of such findings.
'Bite traces help to document species interactions from this period,' he said, as quoted by the BBC.
He also explained that while it remains uncertain whether the young pterosaur was alive at the time of the bite, the fossil does indicate interaction between crocodilians and pterosaurs. 'We can't say if the pterosaur was alive or dead when it was bitten, but the specimen shows that crocodilians occasionally preyed on, or scavenged, juvenile pterosaurs in prehistoric Alberta over 70 million years ago,' Dr Pickles said, as quoted by the BBC.
First of its kind in the North American fossil record
This discovery is being noted as the first confirmed instance in North America of a crocodile-like predator feeding on a pterosaur. The scientific community regards it as a rare and significant addition to existing knowledge of Mesozoic-era life.
The fossil provides a rare and direct record of how prehistoric creatures interacted within their ecosystems, especially involving species that rarely leave behind such detailed evidence.
The study was published in the Journal of Palaeontology and adds a meaningful layer to our understanding of predator-prey dynamics in the Late Cretaceous period.
Image credit:
Created by Canva AI. For representational purposes only.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Time of India
76-million-year-old mystery: Crocodile-like predator left its mark on this fossil
A fossil unearthed in the badlands of Alberta, Canada, has offered a rare glimpse into the interactions between ancient reptiles that lived over 76 million years ago. Researchers studying the remains of a young flying reptile have found what appears to be clear evidence of a crocodile-like predator bite, making it an unusual and scientifically valuable discovery from the Late Cretaceous period. Bone with a bite: Pterosaur fossil found with tooth mark The fossil, a small neck bone of a juvenile pterosaur, was discovered in July 2023 during a field course led by Dr Brian Pickles from the University of Reading. After a detailed analysis, scientists identified a puncture wound on the bone, which they believe was caused by the tooth of a crocodilian species from the same era. The research was conducted jointly by scientists from the University of Reading, the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology (Canada), and the University of New England (Australia). According to the team, micro-CT scans confirmed the mark was not the result of post-burial damage or fossilisation but a bite that likely occurred during the animal's lifetime or shortly after its death. Fragile fossil, uncommon evidence Pterosaur bones, due to their lightweight and hollow structure, rarely preserve well. This makes any fossilised sign of damage or interaction with other animals a rare find. As quoted by the BBC, according to Dr Caleb Brown from the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, 'Pterosaur bones are very delicate, so finding fossils where another animal has clearly taken a bite is exceptionally uncommon.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 motivi per rottamare ora la caldaia per una pompa di calore Aira Scopri di più Undo Dr Brown, who is the lead author of the research paper, further said, 'This specimen being a juvenile makes it even rarer.' The juvenile is believed to have belonged to the Azhdarchid group of pterosaurs. Researchers estimate this individual had a wingspan of about 2 metres. In contrast, adults of the same group were significantly larger, reaching wingspans of up to 10 metres. Insight into Cretaceous ecosystems Dr Brian Pickles, under whose supervision the discovery was made, highlighted the importance of such findings. 'Bite traces help to document species interactions from this period,' he said, as quoted by the BBC. He also explained that while it remains uncertain whether the young pterosaur was alive at the time of the bite, the fossil does indicate interaction between crocodilians and pterosaurs. 'We can't say if the pterosaur was alive or dead when it was bitten, but the specimen shows that crocodilians occasionally preyed on, or scavenged, juvenile pterosaurs in prehistoric Alberta over 70 million years ago,' Dr Pickles said, as quoted by the BBC. First of its kind in the North American fossil record This discovery is being noted as the first confirmed instance in North America of a crocodile-like predator feeding on a pterosaur. The scientific community regards it as a rare and significant addition to existing knowledge of Mesozoic-era life. The fossil provides a rare and direct record of how prehistoric creatures interacted within their ecosystems, especially involving species that rarely leave behind such detailed evidence. The study was published in the Journal of Palaeontology and adds a meaningful layer to our understanding of predator-prey dynamics in the Late Cretaceous period. Image credit: Created by Canva AI. For representational purposes only.
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Time of India
76-million-year-old fossil shows rare crocodile-like bite on flying reptile
A fossil unearthed in the badlands of Alberta, Canada, has offered a rare glimpse into the interactions between ancient reptiles that lived over 76 million years ago. Researchers studying the remains of a young flying reptile have found what appears to be clear evidence of a crocodile-like predator bite, making it an unusual and scientifically valuable discovery from the Late Cretaceous period. Bone with a bite: Pterosaur fossil found with tooth mark The fossil, a small neck bone of a juvenile pterosaur, was discovered in July 2023 during a field course led by Dr Brian Pickles from the University of Reading. After a detailed analysis, scientists identified a puncture wound on the bone, which they believe was caused by the tooth of a crocodilian species from the same era. The research was conducted jointly by scientists from the University of Reading, the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology (Canada), and the University of New England (Australia). According to the team, micro-CT scans confirmed the mark was not the result of post-burial damage or fossilisation but a bite that likely occurred during the animal's lifetime or shortly after its death. Fragile fossil, uncommon evidence Pterosaur bones, due to their lightweight and hollow structure, rarely preserve well. This makes any fossilised sign of damage or interaction with other animals a rare find. As quoted by the BBC, according to Dr Caleb Brown from the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, 'Pterosaur bones are very delicate, so finding fossils where another animal has clearly taken a bite is exceptionally uncommon.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Dr Brown, who is the lead author of the research paper, further said, 'This specimen being a juvenile makes it even rarer.' The juvenile is believed to have belonged to the Azhdarchid group of pterosaurs. Researchers estimate this individual had a wingspan of about 2 metres. In contrast, adults of the same group were significantly larger, reaching wingspans of up to 10 metres. Insight into Cretaceous ecosystems Dr Brian Pickles, under whose supervision the discovery was made, highlighted the importance of such findings. 'Bite traces help to document species interactions from this period,' he said, as quoted by the BBC. He also explained that while it remains uncertain whether the young pterosaur was alive at the time of the bite, the fossil does indicate interaction between crocodilians and pterosaurs. 'We can't say if the pterosaur was alive or dead when it was bitten, but the specimen shows that crocodilians occasionally preyed on, or scavenged, juvenile pterosaurs in prehistoric Alberta over 70 million years ago,' Dr Pickles said, as quoted by the BBC. First of its kind in the North American fossil record This discovery is being noted as the first confirmed instance in North America of a crocodile-like predator feeding on a pterosaur. The scientific community regards it as a rare and significant addition to existing knowledge of Mesozoic-era life. The fossil provides a rare and direct record of how prehistoric creatures interacted within their ecosystems, especially involving species that rarely leave behind such detailed evidence. The study was published in the Journal of Palaeontology and adds a meaningful layer to our understanding of predator-prey dynamics in the Late Cretaceous period. Image credit: Created by Canva AI. For representational purposes only.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
7 animals that can be heard from long distances including elephants, blue whales, and more
There is a huge variety of animals in the animal kingdom and every animal is famous for different characteristics that they carry which makes them different from each other. One such characteristic is the 'voice' of these animals. In the wild, there are a number of animals that are known for their voices and they can be heard from a great distance. This factor plays a crucial role as their voice is not just a sign of noise but these voices are the tools that animals use for their survival, communication and to show their dominance. Here is a list of 7 animals that have loud voices that can be heard from varied distances which makes them unique from other animals. 7 animals with the loudest voice Blue whale The blue whale holds the title of the loudest and largest animal on Earth. Despite this factor, they are the creatures that live deep beneath the ocean surface. They are famous for their low-frequency vocalizations which are often below the range of human hearing that can travel over 1,000 kilometers under the water. These deep moans and pulses can reach up to 188 decibels and are believed to help whales to communicate across vast distances especially during the time of migration or mating. Scientists think that blue whales use these powerful sounds to locate each other in the large ocean which makes their calls not just loud but also crucial for survival in their deep-sea world. Source: Britannica Howler monkeys Howler monkeys are the loudest land animals in the Western Hemisphere and their booming calls can be heard up to 3 miles which is equal to 5 kilometers through dense rainforest. These primates are native to Central and South America and they use their powerful vocalizations to defend their territory and communicate with distant groups. Their unique anatomy includes an enlarged hyoid bone in the throat which acts like a resonating chamber to amplify sound. Source: Wikipedia Elephants Elephants are not only known for their size and intelligence but also for their incredible ability to communicate over long distances using low-frequency sounds called infrasound. These vocalizations are often below the range of human hearing but can travel several miles across the dense forests. Elephants use these deep rumbles to coordinate movements, warn of danger and maintain social bonds within their herd even when individuals are far apart. They have the ability that their sensitive feet can even detect these vibrations through the ground. With voices that can cross entire landscapes, elephants maintain a complex communication network in the wild that can travel to miles. Source: Wikipedia North American Bullfrog Despite its small size, the North American bullfrog has one of the loudest calls in the world of amphibians. Its deep and resonant 'jug-o-rum' croak can be heard up to a mile away especially during the breeding season when males call out from ponds, lakes and wetlands to attract their mates and establish a territory. Their vocal sacs which inflate like balloons act as natural amplifiers that help in boosting the volume of each call. In the stillness of night, the bullfrog's booming voice echoes across the water which proves that even small creatures can make a big impact in the wild. Source: Wikipedia Hyenas Hyenas are among the most vocal mammals as they use an impressive range of sounds to communicate across long distances. Their signature 'whoop' call is a rising eerie note which can travel up to 5 kilometers through the dense forest, especially at night when sound carries farther. These calls serve a variety of purposes like rallying clan members, locating allies and warning off intruders. While their infamous laugh often signals social tension or excitement, it is just one part of a complex vocal range. In the wild, a hyena's voice is a powerful broadcast which they use to maintain order and connection within their highly structured social groups. Source: Wikipedia African lion The African lion has one of the most iconic and far-reaching vocalizations in the animal kingdom. A lion's roar can be heard from as far as 8 kilometers away that can even cut the savanna's early morning or evening silence. These thunderous calls serve crucial purposes such as marking territory, asserting dominance, coordinating with pride members or warning rival males. Lions have specialized vocal cords which allow them to produce deep and resonant roars with minimal effort. In the wild, a lion's roar is not just a display of power but also it is a commanding message that echoes across the grasslands by declaring their presence. Source: Wikipedia Northern Elephant Sea bull Male northern elephant seals are also known as bulls which are famous for their loud and guttural vocalizations as it resonates across beaches during the breeding season. These booming yet low-frequency calls can travel over long distances and are used to establish dominance, ward off rivals and attract mates. Their unique trunk-like noses act as resonating chambers, amplifying their deep and throaty bellows into unmistakable displays of strength. On crowded coastal rookeries, where hundreds of seals gather, these vocal battles often replace physical fights by saving energy while asserting control. In the harsh and windy environment of the Pacific coast, the elephant seal's voice carries far and commands attention. Source: Britannica Also read: 6 Fruits that are safe for animals but harmful for humans
