Bennettazhia

Bennettazhia was first thought to be a species of Pteranodon, but later scientists realized it was a different kind of pterosaur.1

Its humerus (upper arm bone) was uncrushed and filled with a spongy tissue that made it strong but light. This helped scientists study how pterosaurs could launch from the ground.1

A fossil site in Oregon contained lots of broken ammonite shells and guano (poop) from pterosaurs. Scientists think Bennettazhia lived in big colonies on cliffs, like modern seagulls.2

Bennettazhia had a toothless beak with a hard tip, perfect for crushing shellfish.2

The name Bennettazhia honors scientist S. Christopher Bennett, who first suggested it was an azhdarchid pterosaur.1

Scientists are still debating whether Bennettazhia belongs to the Azhdarchidae, Dsungaripteridae, or Tapejaridae family.1