A Crocodilian Took a Bite Out of a Pterosaur 76 Million Years Ago
The Pterosaur's Fatal Encounter
A Rare Discovery
In the depths of time, where the Cretaceous Period painted a vibrant tapestry, a rare find emerged. In the renowned Dinosaur Provincial Park, a team of explorers unearthed a neck vertebra from a young pterosaur, forever etching a moment of prehistoric drama.
"This is a rare find," says Caleb Brown of the Royal Tyrrell Museum, "Pterosaur bones are fragile, and finding them with bite marks is exceptional, especially in juveniles."
A Grim Puzzle
The vertebra bore an ominous puncture mark, a testament to a savage encounter. Using micro-CT scans, the researchers confirmed that the puncture was indeed a bite mark from a crocodile-like creature.
The Tyrant of the Swamps
The bite mark suggests that crocodilians were opportunistic feeders, even targeting giant pterosaurs. "It shows that these ancient predators played a significant role in the prehistoric ecosystem," says Brian Pickles of the University of Reading.
A Lesson in Ancient Ecology
This discovery not only reveals a predator-prey interaction but also sheds light on the fragility of even the most formidable creatures. Even with the power of flight, the pterosaur fell prey to the lurking predators below.
A Window into the Past
This fossil whispers tales of a lost world, a time when prehistoric giants roamed the earth and the battle for survival was relentless.
As we delve deeper into the depths of time, each discovery brings us closer to understanding the intricate tapestry of life that once existed.