Understanding the Flight Mechanisms of Ancient Winged Reptiles
A groundbreaking study published on September 6 in the journal Vertebrate Paleontology sheds light on the flight mechanisms of ancient winged reptiles, revealing that these creatures exhibited two distinct flying styles: flapping and soaring. Researchers analyzed rare fossils from the northern Arabian Peninsula, discovering the flight patterns of two large-bodied species of the Azhdarchoid type. The first specimen, attributed to the extinct species Aramburgiana, and the second, a newly identified species named Inabtanin alarabia, provide critical insights into how these magnificent creatures soared through the skies 72 to 66 million years ago.
Discovering a New Species: Inabtanin alarabia
The research team, led by Iyad Zalmout from the University of Michigan, found that Inabtanin alarabia—which translates to “the dragon of Tell Inab Arabia”—is the most complete flying reptile fossil ever unearthed from Late Cretaceous deposits in Jordan. The study highlights that while some flying reptiles flapped their wings to gain lift, others, like Aramburgiana, relied on soaring techniques similar to modern eagles. This distinction in flight styles suggests a fascinating evolutionary adaptation among these prehistoric creatures.
The Significance of the Findings
The internal structure of the bones from both species was meticulously examined using advanced imaging techniques, revealing differences that correlate with their flight styles. The Aramburgiana exhibited spiral crests within its hollow bones, indicative of soaring capabilities, while the newly discovered Inabtanin showed a network of intersecting hollow struts, akin to modern flapping birds. This research not only introduces a new species to science but also enriches our understanding of the diversity and evolutionary history of flying reptiles, which are closely related to dinosaurs yet represent a separate lineage.
