100-Million-Year-Old Flying Reptile That Existed in the Age of Dinosaurs Discovered in Australia
A groundbreaking discovery has recently emerged from the fossil-rich soils of outback western Queensland, Australia. A new species of pterosaur, a powerful flying reptile from the age of dinosaurs, has been unearthed, adding valuable information to our understanding of these magnificent winged creatures and their limited fossil record in Australia. Led by PhD candidate Adele Pentland, a research team from Curtin University identified the new species, Haliskia peterseni , based on fossilized remains found near the town of Richmond at the Kronosaurus Korner public dig site. These remains, estimated to be 100 million years old, provide a fascinating glimpse into a time when flying reptiles soared above a vast inland sea that once covered central Australia. Described as "demonic pelicans," these flying predators had wingspans of up to 12 meters and were among the first vertebrate animals to achieve powered flight. Haliskia peterseni, with its impressive 4.6-meter wingspan,...
