‘Dragon’ pterosaur was toothless, dominated skies

‘Dragon’ pterosaur was toothless, dominated skies

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SALT LAKE CITY — With a name that comes from the Persian word for “dragon,” the azhdarchidan pterosaur didn’t need any teeth to control ancient skies, according to a new study.

Remains of the dragon pterosaur have been found all around the globe, with some having a wingspan of between 30 and 40 feet, according to study author Alexander Averianov. As some of the largest known flying animals in world history, the new research indicates the pterosaurs did not need teeth during the time of their dominance in the Late Cretaceous period.

"This shift in dominance from toothed to toothless pterodactyloids apparently reflects some fundamental changes in Cretaceous ecosystems, which we still poorly understand," Averianov said in a statement.

Fossils of the azhdarchidan pterosaur were most commonly found near lakes, rivers and other marine environments, according to researchers. They said it was the last of its kind, dying out about 60 million years ago

"Azhdarchidae currently represent a real nightmare for paleontologists,” Averianov said. “Most taxa are known from few fragmentary bones, which often do not overlap between named taxa, the few articulated skeletons are poorly preserved, and some of the best available material has remained undescribed for forty years."

The study was published in the journal Zoo Keys.

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Natalie Crofts

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