AI Article Synopsis
- 150 million years ago, a small flying animal, similar in size to a herring gull, lived in what is now Bavaria and had uniquely long fingers and skin wings for hunting.
- The creature was well-adapted for catching squids and fish from shallow lagoons until it unexpectedly crashed into the water.
- After sinking to the bottom, it was buried in lime layers, preserving its fossilized remains with its arms spread out and jaws open, giving an impression of shock at its fate.
Article Abstract
150 million years ago, an animal no bigger than a herring gull soared above shallow lagoons in what is now Bavaria. It had obscenely long fingers on each hand, which anchored thin wings of skin, and long toothy jaws, perfectly suited to snatching squids and fishes from the warm waters. Our animal was probably doing just that before its untimely death. For one reason or another, the creature crashed into the water and sank to its anoxic depths, where it was eventually buried by layers of lime. The animal fossilised with sprawled arms and jaws agape - as if in shock and disbelief.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2021.06.086 | DOI Listing |
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