Evidence of Germany's ancient flying dinosaur comes from three fossilized teeth found in the Eifel region
In the picturesque South Eifel region of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, the Irrel Dinopark is making headlines with a groundbreaking discovery. The park, known for its educational approach to paleontology, has uncovered the remains of a 210-million-year-old pterosaur, named Eudimorphodon, approximately the size of a modern gull. This remarkable find marks the oldest pterosaur discovery in Germany and the first evidence of such an animal in Rhineland-Palatinate.
The discovery was made possible through the "Triassic Lab" citizen science project, a unique initiative at the Irrel Dinopark that invites visitors to become researchers themselves. Participants help sieve microfossils, tiny particles from the earth that could be remains of prehistoric animals, and contribute to the scientific understanding of the Triassic period.
Dr. Lea Numberger-Thuy, a renowned palaeontologist, led the excavation of the Irrel pterosaur. She identified a multicuspid tooth in the samples, confirming the find. The pterosaur, previously only known from finds in Italy, was perfectly suited for catching fish, according to Dr. Numberger-Thuy.
Bruno Zwank, the park's director, expresses a dream of finding the first real dinosaur from Rhineland-Palatinate. The discovery of the Irrel pterosaur is a significant step towards this dream and demonstrates that spectacular finds are possible in a citizen project.
The prehistoric ecosystem around Irrel will be further examined with the help of park visitors. The "Triassic Lab" project continues to evaluate samples containing 1,300 microfossils since last fall, providing a wealth of information about the region's ancient inhabitants.
Visitors of the Irrel Dinopark are encouraged to participate in this exciting project and contribute to the ongoing exploration of the Triassic period. This discovery not only sheds light on the history of Rhineland-Palatinate but also serves as a testament to the power of citizen science in uncovering the mysteries of our past.
- The discovery of the Eudimorphodon pterosaur in the Irrel Dinopark was facilitated by the "Triassic Lab" citizen science project, which invites visitors to aid in the search for prehistoric fossils.
- Dr. Lea Numberger-Thuy, a recognized palaeontologist, confirmed the discovery of the Irrel pterosaur by identifying a multicuspid tooth in the samples.
- The Irrel Dinopark is renowned for its educational approach to paleontology, and with this discovery, it has made significant strides in the field of science and self-development.
- With the help of park visitors, further investigation of the prehistoric ecosystem around Irrel and the continued evaluation of samples from the "Triassic Lab" project contribute to the general news and expansion of knowledge about the Triassic period.
