A possible pterosaur manus track from the Late Cretaceous of Alberta. (11th March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bell, Phil R.; Fanti, Federico; Sissons, Robin
• Is Part Of: Lethaia. Volume 46:Number 2(2013:Jun.)
• Page Start: 274
• Page End: 279
• Publication Date: 2013-03-11
• Subjects: Paleontology -- Periodicals; Geology, Stratigraphic -- Periodicals; 560
• DOI: 10.1111/let.12006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0024-1164

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en" id="let12006-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>An isolated track from the latest Campanian–Maastrichtian Wapiti Formation (Alberta) is tentatively identified as a pterosaur manus print. The basic digital formula (digit I &lt; digit II &lt; digit III) is consistent with the plesiomorphic condition in pterosaurs. The track measures 25.5 cm in length, making it the largest putative pterosaur manus print (estimated wingspan 7.7 m) from North America. Although precise chronostratigraphic data are lacking, sedimentary evidence indicates the track comes from a mid‐ to late Campanian fluvial deposits that accumulated approximately 400 km from the closest shoreline within a high‐latitude (65°N) setting.</p> </abstract>