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New extinct species of flying reptile, nicknamed Elvis, is officially named Petrodactyle wellnhoferi
A new species of prehistoric flying reptile, or pterosaur, has been officially named Petrodactyle wellnhoferi.
A new species of prehistoric flying reptile, or pterosaur, has been officially named Petrodactyle wellnhoferi. It was discovered by an international team of researchers hailing from Britain, America, and Germany.
The creature, initially nicknamed “Elvis” because of a massive pompadour-like bony crest adorning its skull, was found as a fossil in Bavaria, Germany.
The pterosaur’s name, Petrodactyle wellnhoferi, is a tribute to renowned German paleontologist Peter Wellnhofer. Known for his extensive research on German pterosaurs, the creature’s name translates to “Wellnhofer’s stone-finger.”
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One of the fascinating things about the pterosaurs is the presence of prominent bony crests on the skulls in many species. I'm sure there are many theories & explanations for these elaborate features. The one that rings true to me is its use as a rudder during the animal's flight: if it looked in a particular direction for a possible meal, the crest would serve to supplement other flight controls & turn (yaw) the animal in the desired direction.
Yaw (definition):
- a twisting or oscillation of a moving ship or aircraft around a vertical axis.
"applying the opposite rudder will tend to reduce the yaw"
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