A Crocodilian Took a Bite Out of a Pterosaur 76 Million Years Ago

Learn more about how this rare find gives researchers a glimpse at the predator-prey relationship these prehistoric creatures had.

By Monica Cull
Jan 23, 2025 9:30 PMJan 23, 2025 9:27 PM
Crocodile teeth
Close-up of crocodile teeth. This image is not of the ancient crocodile from the study. (Credit: Nikolay 007/Shutterstock)

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The ability to fly won’t save you from becoming a land predator’s next meal. At least, that’s what one pterosaur may have found out. An international research team recently discovered rare neck vertebrae from a prehistoric flying reptile that was likely bitten by a crocodile-like animal 76 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period. The team published their recent findings in the Journal of Palaeontology.

This rare find could help researchers better understand the predator-prey dynamics of that time and give a better understanding of how crocodilians found their foods.  

A Rare Vertebra 

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