76-million-year-old fossil shows rare crocodile-like bite on flying reptile
A fossil unearthed in the badlands of Alberta, Canada, has offered a rare glimpse into the interactions between ancient reptiles that lived over 76 million years ago. Researchers studying the remains of a young flying reptile have found what appears to be clear evidence of a crocodile-like predator bite, making it an unusual and scientifically valuable discovery from the Late Cretaceous period.
Bone with a bite:
Pterosaur fossil
found with tooth mark
The fossil, a small neck bone of a juvenile pterosaur, was discovered in July 2023 during a field course led by Dr Brian Pickles from the University of Reading. After a detailed analysis, scientists identified a puncture wound on the bone, which they believe was caused by the tooth of a crocodilian species from the same era.
The research was conducted jointly by scientists from the University of Reading, the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology (Canada), and the University of New England (Australia).
According to the team, micro-CT scans confirmed the mark was not the result of post-burial damage or fossilisation but a bite that likely occurred during the animal's lifetime or shortly after its death.
Fragile fossil, uncommon evidence
Pterosaur bones, due to their lightweight and hollow structure, rarely preserve well. This makes any fossilised sign of damage or interaction with other animals a rare find. As quoted by the BBC, according to Dr Caleb Brown from the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, 'Pterosaur bones are very delicate, so finding fossils where another animal has clearly taken a bite is exceptionally uncommon.'
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting
Luxeartisanship
Buy Now
Undo
Dr Brown, who is the lead author of the research paper, further said, 'This specimen being a juvenile makes it even rarer.'
The juvenile is believed to have belonged to the Azhdarchid group of pterosaurs. Researchers estimate this individual had a wingspan of about 2 metres. In contrast, adults of the same group were significantly larger, reaching wingspans of up to 10 metres.
Insight into Cretaceous ecosystems
Dr Brian Pickles, under whose supervision the discovery was made, highlighted the importance of such findings.
'Bite traces help to document species interactions from this period,' he said, as quoted by the BBC.
He also explained that while it remains uncertain whether the young pterosaur was alive at the time of the bite, the fossil does indicate interaction between crocodilians and pterosaurs. 'We can't say if the pterosaur was alive or dead when it was bitten, but the specimen shows that crocodilians occasionally preyed on, or scavenged, juvenile pterosaurs in prehistoric Alberta over 70 million years ago,' Dr Pickles said, as quoted by the BBC.
First of its kind in the North American fossil record
This discovery is being noted as the first confirmed instance in North America of a crocodile-like predator feeding on a pterosaur. The scientific community regards it as a rare and significant addition to existing knowledge of Mesozoic-era life.
The fossil provides a rare and direct record of how prehistoric creatures interacted within their ecosystems, especially involving species that rarely leave behind such detailed evidence.
The study was published in the Journal of Palaeontology and adds a meaningful layer to our understanding of predator-prey dynamics in the Late Cretaceous period.
Image credit:
Created by Canva AI. For representational purposes only.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Which IITs made it to the QS World University Rankings 2026? A comparative analysis of their performance this year
India makes biggest leap in QS World Rankings 2026, IIT Delhi leads at 123rd. (Getty Images) The QS World University Rankings 2026, released on June 18, 2025, by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), have once again showcased the competitive landscape of higher education worldwide. This year's edition assessed over 1,500 universities from 106 locations, making it the most comprehensive ranking to date. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has maintained its place at the summit of global academia, securing the number one position with a perfect overall score of 100. Following MIT, Imperial College London and Stanford University secured the second and third spots respectively, marking a strong presence of North American and European universities in the global top ten. India has also made significant strides, with 54 universities featured in the QS rankings. Leading this contingent are the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), and Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), ranking 123rd, 129th, and 180th globally respectively. This marked progress reflects India's expanding footprint on the global academic map and underscores the continuing rise of its premier institutions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Funding Food Innovation—Apply Now Zayed Sustainability Prize Apply Now Undo The legacy and strengths of IITs in India The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) form the cornerstone of India's technological education and research since their inception. The first IIT was established in 1951 at Kharagpur, and over the decades, the network has grown to encompass 23 institutes across the country. Each IIT boasts distinct strengths, but all share a commitment to excellence in engineering, technology, and science education. IIT Delhi, established in 1961, is often regarded as the flagship institute of the IIT system. Its reputation is bolstered by a robust employer reputation score of 95 and an academic reputation score of 67.9 in the QS rankings 2026. It is renowned for its strong industry linkages and research output, producing graduates who are highly sought after worldwide. IIT Bombay, founded in 1958, combines academic rigour with a vibrant campus culture and close industry collaborations. It ranks just behind IIT Delhi with a high employer reputation score of 97 and academic reputation of 73.3. This institution has consistently been a pioneer in research innovation and entrepreneurship. IIT Madras, set up in 1959, is noted for its rigorous academic programmes and strong research focus, especially in engineering and technology. It recorded an overall score of 58.4 in QS 2026 and has made significant improvements, rising from 227th to 180th in the rankings, indicating its growing global stature. IIT Kharagpur, the first IIT established in 1951, remains a pivotal centre for research and education with a wide range of academic disciplines. With an overall score of 54.5, it continues to build on its legacy of producing top-tier engineers and researchers. Other established IITs like Kanpur (est. 1959), Guwahati (est. 1994), and Roorkee (est. 1847 as Thomason College, later IIT from 2001) hold steady rankings in the mid-200s and 300s, reflecting steady performance and regional academic leadership. Newer IITs such as Indore (2009), BHU Varanasi (2012 merger), Hyderabad (2008), Gandhinagar (2008), and Bhubaneswar (2008) have rapidly gained recognition. Their focus on interdisciplinary research and innovation is reflected in their QS rankings and overall scores, albeit lower than the older IITs, yet demonstrating upward momentum. IITs in QS World University Rankings 2026: Detailed data S. No. Institution Rank (2026) Previous Rank (2025) Overall Score Academic Reputation Employer Reputation Employment Outcomes 1 Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) 123 150 65.5 67.9 95 51 2 Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) 129 118 64.8 73 97 72.6 3 Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) 180 227 58.4 57 86 46 4 Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IITKGP) 215 222 54.5 43 79 48 5 Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore 219 211 54.2 56.6 46.4 15 6 Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) 222 263 54 49.4 82.7 47.6 7 Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) 334 344 42.3 25.4 62 8.7 8 Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR) 339 335 42.2 26.8 52 20 9 Indian Institute of Technology Indore 556 477 30 8 17 5 10 Indian Institute of Technology BHU Varanasi 566 531 29.3 9.3 19 10 11 Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) 664 681-690 26.4 10.3 15 6.5 12 Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) 801-850 -- n/a 7 9 2 13 Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar (IIT BBS) 951-1000 951-1000 n/a 5 12 2 Comparative analysis of IITs in QS 2026 The rankings clearly indicate that IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay maintain their dominance in both academic and employer reputation, highlighting their status as India's premier technological institutions. IIT Delhi edges ahead with a slightly higher overall score, despite IIT Bombay's marginally higher employer reputation. IIT Madras's remarkable rise in rank from 227 to 180 is a testament to its expanding research capabilities and internationalisation efforts. The middle-tier IITs—Kharagpur and Kanpur—display stable performance with overall scores in the mid-50s. These institutes show room for improvement, especially in enhancing their employer reputation and employment outcomes to boost their rankings further. IIT Guwahati and Roorkee, while ranking lower, continue to solidify their roles as key academic centres in their respective regions. Their relatively lower scores in employment outcomes point to potential areas for development, particularly in strengthening industry collaborations and graduate placements. The newer IITs, such as Indore, BHU Varanasi, Hyderabad, Gandhinagar, and Bhubaneswar, are gradually carving their niche. Although their overall scores and reputations are currently modest, these institutions' focus on innovative curricula and research promises future growth. Notably, IIT Gandhinagar and IIT Bhubaneswar, despite lower scores, benefit from strategic academic plans that emphasise interdisciplinary learning and entrepreneurship. This spectrum of rankings across the IIT system reflects India's multifaceted approach to expanding quality higher education and research. As established IITs continue to excel, the newer institutes are progressing steadily, collectively raising India's profile on the global academic stage. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Meet the 'Dragon Prince': New dinosaur discovery rewrites the Tyrannosaur family tree
A fascinating fossil discovery in Mongolia has uncovered a new species of dinosaur that could reshape everything we thought we knew about the evolution of Tyrannosaurs. Named Khankhuuluu Mongoliensis, or "Dragon Prince of Mongolia", this 86-million-year-old predator is now considered the closest known ancestor of the fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex. With its transitional traits and smaller size, the find reveals a crucial evolutionary chapter between small, agile hunters and the massive apex predators that ruled the Late Cretaceous. Scientists say the discovery, buried for decades in a museum collection, offers fresh insight into how Tyrannosaurs evolved their powerful bite, skull shape, and dominant ecological role in both Asia and North America. A dinosaur fossil of 'Dragon Price' hidden in plain sight The partial skeletons that led to this discovery were actually excavated in Mongolia back in the 1970s. At the time, they were thought to belong to a species called Alectrosaurus. It wasn't until PhD student Jared Voris took a closer look, decades later, that the unique features of this new species began to emerge. Working alongside Professor Darla Zelenitsky from the University of Calgary, Voris spotted key differences in the skull and nasal bones that clearly separated it from other known dinosaurs. What is Khankhuuluu Mongoliensis Named after the word for 'dragon' in Mongolian and the region it was found in, Khankhuuluu Mongoliensis bridges a crucial gap in the Tyrannosaur timeline. Weighing around 750 kilograms, it was far smaller than the T. rex, which could tip the scales at over 6 tonnes. But it had key traits that hint at the future kings of the dinosaur world. Its skull showed signs of strengthening, and its jaw was developing the structure needed for the bone-crushing bite Tyrannosaurs are known for. The evolution of Tyrannosaurs Early members of the Tyrannosaur family were small, quick-footed hunters living in the shadows of larger meat-eaters. Khankhuuluu represents a shift from these agile predators towards the bulkier, more powerful giants of the Late Cretaceous. With stronger jaws and a larger build than its predecessors, it shows how evolution favoured size and strength over time. These adaptations eventually led to the dominance of species like T. rex, which could take down massive prey and even crush bones. A journey across continents Another important insight from this discovery is the role of ancient land bridges between Asia and North America. During the Late Cretaceous period, areas like Siberia and Alaska were connected, allowing species like Tyrannosaurs to migrate and evolve in new environments. This movement helped spark the emergence of distinct groups on different continents, explaining how similar predators could be found in both Asia and North America. Rewriting the family tree With the addition of Khankhuuluu Mongoliensis to the record, palaeontologists now have a clearer picture of how Tyrannosaurs evolved. It fills a key gap between the small early forms and the gigantic predators that came later. The findings, published in the journal Nature, could prompt scientists to revisit other old fossils that may have been misclassified. This discovery serves as a reminder that sometimes the answers to big questions have been waiting quietly in storage. What museum collections can still teach us What makes this story even more remarkable is that the fossil had been sitting in a Mongolian museum for over 40 years. It highlights how valuable museum collections are and how new techniques, fresh perspectives and even young researchers can uncover major breakthroughs from existing specimens. Not every discovery requires a dig, some are hidden in plain sight. Before the kings, there were princes The discovery of Khankhuuluu Mongoliensis gives us a rare look at the early days of a dynasty. While this dinosaur didn't have the size or fearsome presence of its famous descendants, it carried the building blocks of what would become one of Earth's most iconic predators. As Professor Zelenitsky put it, 'Before Tyrannosaurs became the kings, they were princes.' And this dragon prince may just be the missing link we didn't know we needed.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
73-million-year-old bird fossils found in Arctic, hint at nesting during dinosaur age
At a time when the Arctic was home to some of the last remaining dinosaurs, birds were not just surviving there– they were nesting and raising their young. A new international study has found fossil evidence confirming that birds were breeding in polar regions as far back as 73 million years ago, during the Late Cretaceous period. The discovery significantly pushes back the known timeline of bird activity in the Arctic and reveals that these ancient species were far more adaptable than previously believed. Fossil clues from Alaska offer fresh insight The research was carried out by an international team led by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, with participation from the University of Reading in the UK. The team studied over 50 small fossil specimens, including bones and teeth, collected from the Prince Creek Formation in northern Alaska– an area already known for dinosaur discoveries. According to Dr Jacob Gardner from the University of Reading, a co-author of the study, and as quoted by the University of Reading website, 'For the first time, we determined the identities of large numbers of fossils using high-resolution scans and the latest computer tools, revealing an enormous diversity of birds in this ancient Arctic ecosystem.' Juvenile bird fossils point to nesting behaviour Among the fossils, researchers identified several bones belonging to very young birds. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Wrinkle Cream Keeps Selling Out At Costco (Find Out Why) The Skincare Magazine Undo This rare find strongly suggests that birds were not simply migrating through the Arctic but were nesting and raising their offspring in the region. 'Finding bird bones from the Cretaceous period is already very rare. To find baby bird bones is almost unheard of. That is why these fossils are significant,' said Lauren Wilson, the lead author of the study, as quoted by the UAF website. Polar nesting began much earlier than thought The fossils are around 73 million years old, showing that birds were nesting in the Arctic at least 30 million years earlier than scientists thought. This discovery changes what we know about how early birds lived and how they adapted to harsh environments. As Wilson stated, 'Birds have existed for 150 million years. For half of the time they have existed, they have been nesting in the Arctic.' Range of bird types identified According to the report, the fossil remains showed several types of birds, including early diving birds, gull-like birds, and ones similar to today's ducks and geese. These birds seemed well-suited to life in the ancient Arctic, which was warmer than it is now but still tough for nesting. The study gives a rare and important look at how birds lived with dinosaurs in northern regions, helping us learn more about life in ancient ecosystems.
