World's first museum devoted to prehistoric flying reptiles opens
The world's first pterosaur museum has opened in northwest China's Xinjiang region, showcasing the world's first 3D-preserved fossilised pterosaur eggs and embryos.
In a groundbreaking development, China has unveiled its inaugural museum dedicated to prehistoric flying reptiles, known as pterosaurs, in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Nestled within a national geopark in the Hami region, renowned for its rich pterosaur fossil discoveries, the Hami Pterosaur Museum marks a significant milestone in paleontological research.
Spanning an exhibition area of approximately 4,600 square meters, the museum comprises six oval-shaped halls arranged in a staggered layout, resembling a cluster of pterosaur eggs nestled in the desert. This unique architectural design pays homage to the creatures it aims to showcase.
The museum houses an impressive array of fossils recovered over two decades through rescue excavations conducted by researchers from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Among the highlights are the world's first 3D preserved fossilized pterosaur eggs and embryos, alongside large pterosaur specimens making their debut to the public.
Xu Xing, the head of the CAS institute, emphasized that the museum not only underscores China's pioneering role in global pterosaur research but also provides visitors with an unprecedented opportunity to witness scientific discovery firsthand. By immersing the public in the wonders of ancient life, the Hami Pterosaur Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the world of these fascinating prehistoric creatures during the Cretaceous period, roughly 130 million years ago.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
