Harpactognathus

Har-pac-tog-na-fus.
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John Stewart

Paleoecologist

John Stewart is a distinguished paleoecologist whose work has significantly advanced our understanding of prehistoric ecosystems. With over two decades dedicated to unearthing fossils across Asia and Africa

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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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