(Click Photos to Enlarge)

Name: Darwinopterus modularis
Geologic Age: Middle Jurassic
Stratigraphic detail: Tiaojishan Formation
Location: Liaoning Province
Description:

This pterosaur  is a nearly complete example of the recently described Darwinopterus modularis. The fossil was named to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwins birth and the 150th anniversary of The Origin of Species.   This fossil is being called a missing link as it is the best example yet discovered  of an animal showing modular evolution. Modular evolution basically states that segment of anatomy (modules) are disassociated and can evolve at different rates. Darwinopterus has a long fifth toe, proportionally short metacarpus and long tail which are features characteristic of the more primitive rhamphorhynchids. These features are absent in other known pterodactyloids. Unlike the rhamphohynchids, Darwinopterus has an elongated skull and several other characteristics only known in the more advanced pterodactyloids.  Basically this shows that different areas of the body can evolve at different rates. This fossil represents a transitional fossil of the sort that Darwin predicted..  Although approximately 20 specimens are known, most are fragmentary or disarticulated. This is one of the only known complete examples with the head still articulated with the body. This fossil was professionally prepped and airabraded. It is in excellent condition with only minor restoration (approximately 3%). The fossil Is Middle Jurassic in age and was collected in the Tiaojishan Formation, Liaoning Province.  In life, Darwinopterus would have been clumsy on land but an agile aerial predator. It would have most likely fed on smaller pterosaurs, mammals and feathered dinosaurs. It is interesting to note that it has been hypothesized that the rise of feathered dinosaurs in the Middle Jurassic may have been what triggered the evolutionary changes  seen in Darwinopterus and other later pterodactyloids.  This Pterosaur measures approx.  15" tall, the Skull is 6.5" long and the wingspan would be approx. 3 feet wide.  This specimen has one or two areas that may be skin impressions.. and there is a pile of something below the pelvis that may be fecal matter, or could possibly be remnants of an egg... This specimen has EXCELLENT bone preservation with most bones sticking well above the matrix.. 

Darwinopterus modularis  Price:  $45,000.00