Researchers in Argentina have discovered the fossilized bones of a large winged reptile, known as the “Dragon of Death,” that roamed at the same time with dinos 86 million years in the past.
It is the world’s biggest pterosaur ever found in South America, as well as one of the largest aerial animals to have ever existed, spanning around 30 feet (9 meters) in length.
As it stalked its victims from the ancient sky, the ‘monster’ would’ve been a terrifying sight, according to scientists. An asteroid collision in what is presently Mexico’s Yucatan coast 66 million years ago took out approximately three-quarters of species on Earth, according to estimates.
Researchers in Argentina’s west Mendoza region unearthed the remains of the newly-named Thanatosdrakon amaru inside the Andes highlands. For the first time ever, a fresh genus & species designation had to be created to describe the fossil’s never-seen-prior traits (drakon).
The reptile’s span was measured at 30 feet, making it as big as a school vehicle (9m). Researchers discovered 40 bones and pieces during their dig. The newfound species’ enormous bones, according to the researchers, make it the biggest pterosaur to be found throughout South America or anyplace else on the globe. The cretaceous era, which spanned 145 – 66 million years back, is when the fossils of the reptiles were preserved in the stones.
It has been said that Thanatosdrakon is indeed the biggest known pterosaur from the Cretaceous period of South America. Expanding our understanding of the physiology of this varied family of pterosaurs, they stated.
Dinosaur fossils have played a crucial role in the study of modern science, giving scientists the opportunity to learn more about ancient life and the fossilization process. It is no exaggeration to say that they have revolutionized paleontology. We are now able to examine dinosaurs’ internal organs (even their DNA), which has provided even more insight into their lifestyles.
