What is alanqa?

Alanqa is a genus of large pterosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 95-93 million years ago. It had a wingspan of around 6 meters (20 feet) and is known for its long, slender jaws filled with sharp teeth. Alanqa likely fed on fish and other small animals near bodies of water.

Fossils of Alanqa have been found in what is now modern-day Morocco, indicating that it lived in a warm, coastal environment. The name Alanqa means "Phoenix" in Arabic, referring to its bird-like appearance and mythical associations.

Despite its large size, Alanqa was a relatively lightweight pterosaur, which may have helped it to glide effortlessly through the air and hunt for prey. It is thought to have had a long, crested skull with a pointed beak and a body covered in feathers or a furry covering for insulation.

Overall, Alanqa is considered to be a fascinating and important discovery in the field of paleontology, providing valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of pterosaurs during the Late Cretaceous period.