- Pterosaur Fossils - "Flying
reptiles"
- Information and Photos for Teachers and Students
- Pterosauria "Flying Dinosaurs" -
Pterodactylus, meaning wing finger
- Highly specialized flying creatures
that first appeared in the Upper Jurassic and became extinct
by the end of the Cretaceous. They were the first vertebrates
to become active flyers. They evolved into broad winged, bat-like
gliders by transforming their arms into organs of flight. Their
hollow bones and lightweight bodies together with a much elongated
fourth finger on the hand which supported a wing membrane adapted
them for life in the air. They had large brains giving them a
high level of sensitivity and control. They had complex lungs
and a bird like air sac system. They were warm blooded, highly
active creatures with a furry covering to prevent heat loss especially
when flying.
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