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Oldest North American Pterosaur Discovered in Arizona

7/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking discovery in Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park has unveiled the oldest pterosaur in North America, Eotephradactylus mcintireae, dating back 209 million years. This small, seagull-sized flying reptile thrived before the end-Triassic extinction, offering invaluable insights into ancient ecosystems and showcasing the remarkable preservation of delicate fossils in river sediments.

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Story summary

A groundbreaking discovery in Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park has unveiled the oldest pterosaur in North America, Eotephradactylus mcintireae, dating back 209 million years. This small, seagull-sized flying reptile thrived before the end-Triassic extinction, offering invaluable insights into ancient ecosystems and showcasing the remarkable preservation of delicate fossils in river sediments.