Scientists unearth new pterosaur species in Patagonia

BUENOS AIRES, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- A new species of pterosaur has been discovered in Patagonia. The species, named Allkauren koi by scientists, was unearthed in Argentina's north-central Chubut Province. The flying reptile lived during the Early Jurassic, between 199 million and 175 million years ago.

Pterosaurs, which lived throughout the Mesozoic Era, are the first vertebrates known to have developed powered flight. The "winged lizards" featured pneumatic, or hollow, bones, which reduced their body weight and allowed them to take to the skies. Their lengthy limbs and digits supported thin wing membranes to support flight.

The newly discovered fossil is one of only a few pterosaur specimens to feature excellently preserved cranial remains, allowing scientists to study possible neurological changes precipitated by the lineage's transition to the air.

The species' name "Allkauren" is derived from the native Tehuelche words "all" and "karuen," translated as "brain" and "ancient."

Scientists used cross-sectional imagery to build a 3D digital image of the pterosaur's cranial remains, including models of the cranial endocast and inner ear. The new images, combined with previous 3D models, allowed scientists to trace neuroanatomical changes among pterosaurs over time.

"Allkaruen, from the middle lower jurassic limit, shows an intermediate state in the brain evolution of pterosaurs and their adaptations to the aerial environment," researcher Diego Pol said in a news release. "As a result, this research makes an important contribution to the understanding of the evolution of all of pterosaurs."

The new research was published this week in the journal PeerJ.