Podcast
Questions and Answers
What distinguishes pterosaurs from dinosaurs?
What distinguishes pterosaurs from dinosaurs?
- Pterosaurs were reptiles that could swim.
- Pterosaurs had wings made of skin, while dinosaurs did not fly. (correct)
- Pterosaurs were cold-blooded, much like crocodiles.
- Pterosaurs had legs positioned at the side of their body.
Which statement is true about the variety of pterosaurs?
Which statement is true about the variety of pterosaurs?
- All pterosaurs had the same wingspan of 20 feet.
- Over 130 types of pterosaurs have been identified. (correct)
- Pterosaurs were the only flying animals that ever existed.
- Pterosaurs and modern birds share the same wing structure.
How did the wings of pterosaurs differ from those of birds?
How did the wings of pterosaurs differ from those of birds?
- Pterosaurs had feathers for wings, like birds.
- Ptersaurs used flaps of skin to glide instead of wings.
- The wings of pterosaurs were elongated bone structures.
- Pterosaur wings were made of a muscle membrane rather than feathers. (correct)
What is one common dietary preference for land-based pterosaurs?
What is one common dietary preference for land-based pterosaurs?
What purpose did the crests on pterosaur heads likely serve?
What purpose did the crests on pterosaur heads likely serve?
During which geological period did pterosaurs first appear?
During which geological period did pterosaurs first appear?
What characteristic did pterosaurs share with modern pelicans?
What characteristic did pterosaurs share with modern pelicans?
Which of the following statements about pterosaur fossils is correct?
Which of the following statements about pterosaur fossils is correct?
How did pterosaurs hunt in the prehistoric skies?
How did pterosaurs hunt in the prehistoric skies?
Which statement is true about the body structure of pterosaurs?
Which statement is true about the body structure of pterosaurs?
Flashcards
Reptiles
Reptiles
Cold-blooded animals that lay eggs and are largely covered in scales.
Pterosaurs
Pterosaurs
Flying reptiles that lived alongside dinosaurs.
Pteranodon
Pteranodon
A type of pterosaur known for its large wingspan.
Pterosaurs
Pterosaurs
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Late Triassic Period
Late Triassic Period
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Paleontologists
Paleontologists
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Skin Pouch
Skin Pouch
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Crests
Crests
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Pterosaur Wings
Pterosaur Wings
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Carnivores
Carnivores
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Study Notes
Dinosaurs vs. Flying Reptiles
- Dinosaurs were reptiles, laying eggs, and covered in scales.
- Their legs were positioned under their bodies.
- Dinosaurs did not fly or swim.
Pterosaurs: Flying Reptiles
- Pterosaurs were flying reptiles, not dinosaurs.
- Examples include Pteranodon and Pterodactylus.
- Pterosaurs were the first known flying animals (after insects).
- Lived alongside dinosaurs, sharing habitats.
- Fossils found worldwide, dating from the Late Triassic to the end of the Cretaceous period (220-65 million years ago).
Pterosaur Characteristics and Diversity
- Over 130 recognized species.
- Huge size variation: wingspans from 10 inches to 20 feet.
- Shared physical features:
- Skin pouch from the neck, like a pelican.
- Long skull with needle-like teeth.
- Bony or fleshy head crests (possible mating purposes, debated).
- Skin wings supported by muscle membranes stretching from fingers to legs (similar to bat wings).
- Large chest muscles for flight.
Pterosaur Diet and Lifestyles
- Carnivores, with diverse diets based on species and habitat.
- Land-dwelling pterosaurs ate smaller reptiles, insects, fruits, eggs, and even baby dinosaurs.
- Water-dwelling pterosaurs ate water creatures (squid, fish, crabs).
Pterosaur and Bird Evolution
- Modern birds did not evolve from Pterosaurs.
- Modern birds descended from dinosaurs (like Tyrannosaurus Rex), evidenced by comparing skeletal structures (hips, for example).
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