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New Pterosaur Species Discovered in Arizona’s Petrified Forest

7/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking discovery in Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park has unveiled a new pterosaur species, Eotephradactylus mcintireae. This remarkable find, dating back 209 million years to the Triassic period, marks the oldest known pterosaur in North America. Its fossilized jawbone and teeth offer crucial insights into the evolution of these ancient flying reptiles.

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Story summary

A groundbreaking discovery in Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park has unveiled a new pterosaur species, Eotephradactylus mcintireae. This remarkable find, dating back 209 million years to the Triassic period, marks the oldest known pterosaur in North America. Its fossilized jawbone and teeth offer crucial insights into the evolution of these ancient flying reptiles.