Summary
A new species of flying reptile was discovered in Brazil, identified from fossilized remains found in what is believed to be dinosaur vomit. The fossil, stored for years without much attention in a museum, revealed two filter-feeding pterosaurs named Bakiribu waridza. This discovery adds to the understanding of ancient ecosystems and pterosaur diets.
Key Facts
- Scientists found a new flying reptile species in fossilized vomit at a Brazilian museum.
- The remains were among other fossils from the Araripe region but had no clear history or collection date.
- The new species, Bakiribu waridza, is a filter-feeding pterosaur.
- The pterosaur's bones showed signs of having been digested and regurgitated by a predator.
- The discovery shows that pterosaurs served as prey for larger dinosaurs like spinosaurids.
- The Bakiribu waridza has long jaws and tooth rows similar to another filter-feeding species, Pterodaustro.
- This is the first known tropical filter-feeding pterosaur discovered.
- The findings highlight the importance of reevaluating old museum specimens for new scientific insights.
