Jurassic: Pterosaur Monkeydactyl and Ginkgo

 Illustration of two 'Monkeydactyls' climbing in the boughs of a Ginkgo tree.

 

Newly described flying reptile 'Monkeydactyl'  Kunpengopterus antipollicatus (opposite thumbed) is thought to have lived in the Jurassic period.

This pterosaur lived its life among the trees, hunting for bugs and climbing with the help of its two opposable thumbs — one on each of its three-fingered hands.  

It is the first known pterosaur found in China with an opposed thumb.

 

More about Ginkgo in the Jurassic period on my website: Fossils-page.

Article and illustration: Current Biology.

 

Visit my website The Ginkgo Pages.