Tapejara, Prehistoric flying reptile from Santana Formation, Brazil
Tapejara is a flying reptile discovered in Brazil's Santana Formation. This creature featured a distinctive crest on its head and smaller wingspan compared to other flying reptiles of the same era.
Scientists first discovered Tapejara fossils in Brazil during the 1989 expedition. These remains date to the Early Cretaceous period, providing insights into the development of flying reptiles millions of years ago.
The name derives from Tupi language, representing connections between paleontological discoveries and indigenous Brazilian linguistic heritage.
Fossils from this era can be viewed in Brazilian museums and paleontological collections. Visitors can observe the bone structure and head shape directly to understand how these creatures functioned.
Research indicates that Tapejara belonged to a specific group called Tapejaridae, with physical features distinguishing it from other flying reptiles.
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