Harpactognathus

Har-pac-tog-na-fus.
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Maeve Foster

Paleoclimatologist

Maeve Foster explores the Earth's climatic past to understand the forces that shaped life on our planet. Her research into ancient climate events provides valuable context for current environmental challenges.

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Name

Harpactognathus (Grasping Jaw).

Phonetic

Har-pac-tog-na-fus.

Named By

Carpenter et al - 2003.

Classification

Chordata, Reptilia, Pterosauria, Rhamphorhynchoidea, Rhamphorhynchidae.

Diet

Carnivore.

Species

H. gentryii

Size

Estimated 2.5 meter wingspacen.

Known locations

USA, Wyoming - Morrison Formation.

Time Period

Kimmeridgian of the Jurassic.

Fossil representation

Partial skull.

In Depth

       Although somewhat lacking in fossil material, Harpactognathus has still been found to have a crest that runs down the entire skull, all the way to the tip of the jaws.

Further Reading

– A new scaphognathine pterosaur from the Upper Jurassic Formation of Wyoming, USA. In: Buffetaut, E., and Mazin, J.- M. (eds.). – Evolution and Palaeobiology of Pterosaurs. Geological Society of London, Special Publications 217:45-54. – K. Carpenter, D. M. Unwin, K. Cloward, C. A. Miles & C. Miles – 2003.

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