Fossil of New Pterosaur Species Discovered in South America
Posted on September 1, 2016
Scientists have discovered the fossilized remains of a small pterosaur species has been discovered in the Patagonia region of South America. The cranial remains of the creature were discovered and are said to be well preserved. The remains included an uncrushed braincase.
The species has been named Allkauren koi. "Allkauren" translates to ancient brain using the Tehuelche word "all" for "brain" and "karuen" for "ancient." Pterosaurs are extinct flying reptiles that thrived during the Mesozoic Era.
Dr Diego Pol, who is part of the research team, says in the announcement, "Allkaruen, from the middle lower jurassic limit, shows an intermediate state in the brain evolution of pterosaurs and their adaptations to the aerial environment. As a result, this research makes an important contribution to the understanding of the evolution of all of pterosaurs."
A research paper on the new species can be found here in the journal, Peerj.
