Fun Phosphatodraco Facts For Kids

The azhdarchid pterosaur species became widespread throughout the world in the Late Cretaceous age. The name means 'phosphate dragon' and it refers to the phosphate of Morocco, the land where they lived. The specific name of the only type species, Phosphatodraco mauritanicus, refers to Mauretania. The genus has been described from the discovery of five damaged compressed, and disarticulated cervical vertebrae and a bone whose origin is still unknown.

How do you pronounce 'Phosphatodraco'?

It is pronounced as 'Fos-fate-oh-dray-ko' and means 'phosphate dragon'.

What type of dinosaur was a Phosphatodraco?

Phosphatodraco is a type of azhdarchid pterosaur. They were a sister taxon of Aralazhdarcho.

In which geological period did the Phosphatodraco roam the Earth?

Phosphatodraco was one of the pterosaurs that evolved during the Maastrichtian age of Late Cretaceous period.

When did the Phosphatodraco become Extinct?

Phosphatodraco existed up to the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event.

Where did Phosphatodraco live?

Phosphatodraco was an azhdarchid pterosaur species of Morocco. Its fossils were discovered from the Oulad Abdoun Phosphatic Basin in Grand Doui. It is located near Khouribga in Central Morocco.

What was the Phosphatodracos' habitat?

Phosphatodraco must have lived in low lands near water bodies.

Who did the Phosphatodraco live with?

Whether Phosphatodraco lived in flocks or alone is unknown.

How long did a Phosphatodraco live?

Phosphatodraco lived during the Maastrichtian age of the Late Cretaceous period and their lifespan is unknown.

How did they reproduce?

Although pterosaurs had wings like birds, their reproduction characteristics matched with the reptiles. The mother Phosphatodraco laid eggs and fertilized them.

What did the Phosphatodraco look like?

Phosphatodraco is an azhdarchid pterosaur that evolved during the Late Cretaceous period in Morocco. The cervical vertebrae discovered are in series from the fifth to the ninth and the fifth one is the longest. Their vertebrae are also very unique as they are elongated at the base with neural spines.

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How many bones did a Phosphatodraco have?

The animal is only known from the neck vertebrae and an unknown bone. Apart from that, skull and teeth have not been discovered.

How did they communicate?

Probably, Phosphatodraco also communicated using different types of vocalizations.

How big was the Phosphatodraco?

The length and height of the Phosphatodraco have not been determined, however, the wingspan of the pterosaur was estimated to be around 16 ft (5 m). They were two times smaller than Magnamanus.

How fast could a Phosphatodraco move?

The genus Phosphatodraco had large wings which they used to flap, however, whether the wings were utilized for flying is uncertain.

How much did a Phosphatodraco weigh?

The weight of these pterosaurs has not been determined.

What were the male and female names of the species?

The male and the female species of Phosphatodraco were collectively called Phosphatodraco.

What would you call a baby Phosphatodraco?

A baby pterosaur is referred to as a hatchling.

How aggressive were they?

Phosphatodraco was a carnivorous reptile, but they were small in size than dinosaurs. This makes them partially aggressive.

Did You Know…

Phosphatodraco is the first azhdarchid to be discovered from northern Africa.