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December 2, 2008 10:01:39 AM CST

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Sparrow-Sized Pterodactyl Found

Posted Feb 12, 08 8:00 AM CST in World,  Science & Health 

(Newser) – Fossil hunters in China's Liaoning province have discovered the remains of a never-before-seen pterodactyl no bigger than a sparrow. Nemicolopterus crypticus, or hidden flying forest-dweller, had curved toes, which means it spent most of its time perched in trees. Unlike giant pterodactyls, the Nemicolopterus had no teeth and ate insects, the AP reports.

Fossils of ancient airborne animals are rare, especially outside of coastal regions, and researchers were ecstatic about the inland find. "It's showing us a new chapter of the evolutionary history of those animals," said one paleontologist. "Discoveries such as this are fundamental to understand the evolution of these winged vertebrates." The fossil was of a young pterodactyl, but not a hatchling.

Source Associated Press

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This image released by the National Museum, shows a flying reptile named Nemicolopterus crypticus in Rio de Janeiro, Monday, Feb. 11, 2008. The toothless flying reptile lived in gingko forests that existed...   (Associated Press)
Palaeontologists show a model of a flying reptile named Nemicolopterus crypticus during a news conference at the National Museum in Rio de Janeiro, Monday, Feb. 11, 2008. The toothless flying reptile...   (Associated Press)
A model of a flying reptile named Nemicolopterus crypticus is seen during a news conference at the National Museum in Rio de Janeiro, Monday, Feb. 11, 2008. The toothless flying reptile lived in gingko...   (Associated Press)
A palaeontologist shows a model of a flying reptile named Nemicolopterus crypticus during a news conference at the National Museum in Rio de Janeiro, Monday, Feb. 11, 2008. The toothless flying reptile...   (Associated Press)
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