A New Pterosaur from Texas

Recent studies have introduced a new genus of pterosaur from Texas, named Javelinadactylus sagebieli. This identification stems from a partial skull and jaw found in the Javelina Formation.

The fossils, originally discovered in 1986, underwent detailed examination only recently. Researchers identified the bones as belonging to a new type of tapejarid pterosaur, placing it within the broader category of Thalassodrominae.

Prior to this discovery, only two genera of thalassodromines were known, both from Brazil. Notably, this new pterosaur is the first tapejarid found in the Maastrichtian deposits of Late Cretaceous North America, indicating that this group continued to diversify during the final Mesozoic Era.

Brain Shape May Explain Bird Survival Post-Dinosaur Extinction

Research suggests that a distinct brain shape may have contributed to the survival of the ancestors of modern birds during the mass extinction event that wiped out other dinosaur species. The fossil in question belongs to Ichthyornis dispar, which lived around 66 million years ago in present-day Kansas.

This bird displayed a combination of avian and non-avian dinosaur traits, including tooth-filled jaws and a beak. The nearly intact skull provided scientists with the opportunity to study its brain structure using CT imaging to create a 3D endocast, which was then compared to those of living birds and more distant relatives.

The findings revealed that Ichthyornis had a brain structure more akin to non-avian dinosaurs than to modern birds, suggesting that certain brain features may have influenced survival during the extinction event.

The True Skin of Carnotaurus

In August, researchers provided a comprehensive analysis of the integument of the well-known abelisaurid theropod Carnotaurus sastrei, marking it as the best-preserved theropod integument to date.

This carnivorous dinosaur from Argentina measured between 7.5 and 9 meters in length and weighed at least 1.35 metric tons. Notable features included pronounced horns above the eyes and a deep skull on a strong neck. The fossil revealed a unique arrangement of medium to large conical scales and smaller basement scales, suggesting a complex skin structure that might have played a role in thermoregulation.

Australia’s Largest Pterosaur Found in Queensland

This month, scientists unearthed Australia’s largest known pterosaur, dubbed Thapunngaka shawi, in northwest Queensland. The fossil, which included a jaw with around 40 teeth, suggests that this pterosaur had a skull over a meter long and could reach a wingspan of approximately seven meters.

This new species is part of the anhanguerian pterosaur group, which was present on every continent during the latter Cretaceous. Thapunngaka is the third known species of this group from Australia, enhancing our understanding of pterosaur diversity in the region.

Scientists Discover Two New Giant Sauropods from China

In August, the discovery of two giant dinosaurs from China was confirmed, identified as new species Silutitan sinensis and Hamititan xinjiangensis. Both names reflect their origins, with silu referring to the Silk Road.

The Silutitan specimen is estimated at over 20 meters in length, while Hamititan measures around 17 meters. Both fossils date back to the early Cretaceous, approximately 120 to 130 million years ago, and belong to the titanosaur family, known for their impressive sizes.

43-Million-Year-Old Primitive Whale Discovered in Egypt

A 43 million-year-old fossil of an unknown amphibious four-legged whale was found in Egypt, shedding light on the evolution of whales from land to sea. The newly identified species, named Phiomicetus anubis, represents a transitional form in whale evolution.

Excavated from Eocene-era rocks in the Fayum Depression, this whale was about three meters long and likely a top predator. Its fossil is the most primitive protocetid whale identified in Africa.

T. Rex May Have Been a Picky — Not ‘Brutish’ — Eater

A study released in August suggests that Tyrannosaurus rex had a sophisticated neurovascular system in its lower jaw, indicating it wasn't merely a mindless predator but rather had a selective feeding habit.

Using CT scanning technology, researchers examined the channels through which nerves passed in T. rex’s jaw. The results showed that, despite its formidable bite, the dinosaur had nerve endings that could allow for delicate manipulation, possibly for nurturing young or building nests.

Fossilized Egg from Prehistoric Giant Turtle Reveals Baby Inside

A fossilized egg found in a farmer's home in Henan Province, China, contained the remains of an extinct giant turtle, providing valuable insights into ancient life. This turtle belonged to the nanhsiungchelyids group, known for their significant sizes during the Cretaceous period.

The egg is among the largest discovered from this time and likely belonged to a turtle with a shell comparable to a person's height. The finding of an ancient turtle embryo hints at the potential for more discoveries in the future.

The First Dromaeosaurid from Brazil

Ypupiara lopai is the latest dromaeosaurid species identified, with a unique backstory: the specimen was destroyed in a 2018 fire at Rio de Janeiro’s Museu Nacional. Photographs taken prior to the fire enabled the species to be described.

This dinosaur hails from the Late Cretaceous Marília Formation and represents the first dromaeosaurid found in South America, characterized by its distinctive morphology.

Primitive Ungulates Hint at Rapid Evolution of Mammals Post-Dinosaur Extinction

August also saw the identification of three new ancient ungulate species — Miniconus jeanninae, Conacodon hettingeri, and Beornus honeyi. These species represent early placental mammals known as condylarths, which are ancestors of modern hoofed mammals.

These creatures lived in North America between 66 and 63 million years ago, shortly after the mass extinction event that eliminated non-avian dinosaurs. Their discovery suggests that early mammals diversified more rapidly than previously believed.

Epilogue

In summary, August 2024 was a significant month in paleontology, with scientists gaining new insights into the biology and behaviors of a variety of extinct species and the discovery of exciting new organisms.

Hungry for more paleontological news? Check out the top discoveries from September below: https://readmedium.com/exciting-paleontological-discoveries-you-probably-missed-in-september-85c2b27a7e38

References

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Christopher R. Torres et al. Bird neurocranial and body mass evolution across the end-Cretaceous mass extinction: The avian brain shape left other dinosaurs behind. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg7099

Christophe Hendrickx, Phil R. Bell, The scaly skin of the abelisaurid Carnotaurus sastrei (Theropoda: Ceratosauria) from the Upper Cretaceous of Patagonia, Cretaceous Research, 2021,104994, ISSN 0195–6671, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2021.104994.

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Soichiro Kawabe, Soki Hattori. Complex neurovascular system in the dentary of Tyrannosaurus. Historical Biology, 2021; 1 DOI: 10.1080/08912963.2021.1965137

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