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Pterosaur Skeleton, Solnhofen Limestone
Pterosaur Skeleton, Solnhofen Limestone Pterosaur Skeleton, Solnhofen Limestone Pterosaur Skeleton, Solnhofen Limestone Pterosaur Skeleton, Solnhofen Limestone

Pterosaur Skeleton, Solnhofen Limestone

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Exemplifying the beauty of prehistoric flight, this Rhamphorhynchus skeleton exhibits incredible preservation and detail. The graceful arch of its neck and extended tail, along with elegantly spread limbs create a strong sense of dynamism. Its exceptionally preserved tail vane, which acted as a rudder when the Pterosaur was alive, enhances its lifelike quality and provides valuable insights into early flight mechanics.

Preserved on a large slab of fine-grained limestone, this specimen’s completeness is particularly noteworthy, as comparable pieces from the Solnhofen Limestone are rare. The unique conditions of the Late Jurassic lagoon—a warm, shallow, oxygen-poor environment—allowed for extraordinary fossil preservation. The Solnhofen area was part of the northern edge of the Tethys Sea, characterized by diverse facies, including reef and sponge buildups, creating an ideal environment for exceptional fossilization. This lagoon teemed with biodiversity, including marine life and aerial species like the famous Archaeopteryx, considered the earliest known bird.

Fossils of this caliber enable significant reconstruction of ancient anatomy and behavior, contributing to the advancement of paleontology. Its outstanding display quality makes it a striking centerpiece for a prestigious private collection or a scientific institution, offering both scientific significance and visual impact.

 

TAXONOMY 

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Reptilia
  • Order: Pterosauria
  • Family: Rhamphorhynchidae
  • Genus: Rhamphorhynchus
  • Species: R. muensteri


GEOLOGICAL CONTEXT

  • Formation: Solnhofen Limestone
  • Lithostratigraphic Layer: White Jura, Malm
  • Location: Mühlheim, Germany
  • Age: Upper Jurassic (161 to 150 million years ago)


PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 

  • Dimensions: 33.5 x 26.4 x 1.6 in (85 x 67 x 4 cm)
  • Weight: 63 lbs (28.6 kg)

 

PROVENANCE

  • Private German collection, legally designated for export and trade. This specimen is ethically sourced and fully compliant with international regulations, ensuring responsible acquisition and ownership.