Australian paleontologists described the fossil pterosaurus Thapunngaka Shawi found in Queensland Province. He became the largest of those found on the continent – the scope of his wings could reach seven meters. The article of scientists is published in Journal of Vertebrate Paleticology.
Pterosaurs became the first vertebrates, having mastered the dull flight. They adapted to him perfectly and acquired thin-walled and relatively hollow bones. However, that is why the fossils of these arcons are poorly preserved. So, in Australia, less than 20 species of Pterosaurov are described.
A part of the lower jaw of the previously unknown Arhosaur was discovered in 2011, the Lenoma Show’s Paleontologist in the north-west of Queensland in the sediments of the Albian Tarus (100-113 million years ago) of the Cretaceous period. According to Paleontologists, the length of the skull of the Pterosaur should have been about a meter, and the wingspan – from six to seven meters. It is assumed that Thapunngaka Shawi, like many of the pterosaurs, was eager for fish – the fossil was found in the territory, where in the chalk period there was a shelvy sea of Eromanga. A distinctive feature of the open type was a massive bone comb on the bottom and, presumably, on the upper jaws.
A new species refers to the Anrangberides – a group of Pterosavrov’s widespread in the chalk ground. The generic name was given in honor of the tribe who lived in the detention center – Thapunngaka in the language of Vanamar means “mouth” and “spear”, and species – in honor of the discoverer.