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New dinosaur the 'size of a plane' discovered in Canada

An artist's impression of a Cryodrakon boreas, a newly discovered species of pterosaur: AFP/Getty Images
An artist's impression of a Cryodrakon boreas, a newly discovered species of pterosaur: AFP/Getty Images

Dinosaur remains the size of a small plane have been discovered in Canada.

Scientists discovered a new species of pterodactyl that is unlike any other, according to finds published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

It has been dubbed Cryodrakon boreas, or Frozen Dragon of the North, by scientists.

Because of its muscular shape, scientists think it was a ground hunter who used flight to catch prey or escape danger.

The dinosaur is more muscular than other types of its kind (AFP/Getty Images)
The dinosaur is more muscular than other types of its kind (AFP/Getty Images)

It is incredibly well preserved and it is very rare to find so many bones from a single specimen.

Dinosaur academic Michael Habib said: "This type of pterosaur, an azhdarchid, is quite rare, and most specimens are just a single bone.

"These are among the most popular and charismatic of all fossil animals.

"Our new species is represented by a partial skeleton. This tells us a great deal about the anatomy of these large flyers, how they flew and how they lived.

Most specimens are single bone fragments (AFP/Getty Images)
Most specimens are single bone fragments (AFP/Getty Images)

"The creature is similar to the largest pterosaurs known, yet key characteristics gleaned from the cache of bones show it's actually part of a new genus and species.

"This particular group of pterosaurs includes the largest flying animals of all time. Their anatomy holds important clues about the limits of animal flight and may be important in the future for biologically inspired mechanical design for flight."

Scientists conclude that Cryodrakon was about the same size, and looked similar to, the largest known pterosaur Quetzalcoatlus. But it is believed it was heavier and more robust.

It is an important find because it challenges classic reconstructions that these animals were ultralight soaring specialists.

But even the tiniest species of pterosaur are bigger than any living bird today.

The smallest were bigger than an albatross and had a wingspan of 30 feet.

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It is hoped that this new species will give new insight to understanding dinosaurs.

Prof Habib added: "They have been inspiration for countless movie monsters, they were critical parts of global ecosystems worldwide during the Age of Dinosaurs, so they are key to understanding the ecology and extinctions of that time.

"Just like flying animals today, they could carry important clues about how animals at the time responded to major changes in climate."

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