CHICAGO (AFP) — Paleontologists have discovered the fossil of a new species of tiny prehistoric flying reptile in northeastern China, a study released Monday said.
The miniature reptile lived about 120 million years ago and was about the size of a sparrow, with a wingspan less than a foot across.
The miniature reptile lived about 120 million years ago and was about the size of a sparrow, with a wingspan less than a foot across.
It was toothless and had some unique anatomical features, notably curved claws that appeared to be designed to clutch tree limbs.
The discovery of this flying reptile's fossils will help scientists better understand the evolution of the pterosaurs group of reptiles. The species has been named Nemicolopterus crypticus, which means "hidden flying forest dweller" in Greek.
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