Pterosaurs: The Flying Reptiles of the Dinosaur Age
Pterosaurs are a group of reptiles that lived during the same era as the dinosaurs and possessed the ability to fly.
They are closely related to dinosaurs and are classified as part of the larger group known as Archosauria.
While we tend to imagine gigantic creatures walking on the ground when we hear the word “dinosaur,” the Earth at that time was also home to pterosaurs that dominated the skies.
Representative Pterosaurs and Their Astonishing Characteristics
Here are some of the most well-known and representative species from the diverse array of pterosaurs.
Pteranodon
Pteranodon
It is one of the most famous pterosaurs in movies and encyclopedias.
With a body that reached nearly 10 meters when its wings were spread, it commanded an overwhelming presence in the skies of its time.
Quetzalcoatlus
Quetzalcoatlus
Considered the largest flying animal in history, its wingspan is estimated to have exceeded 10 meters.
This scale, comparable to a modern small aircraft, speaks to the dynamism of ancient Earth.
Details on Quetzalcoatlus here
Eudimorphodon
Eudimorphodon
It was a relatively small pterosaur, characterized by a very long tail, which was reminiscent of a demon.
Flying creatures with such long tails are not seen in the modern world.
Pterosaurs as Superior Hunters
Pterosaurs survived for a long period, from the Jurassic to the Late Cretaceous.
It is believed that they were not merely creatures that flew, but highly capable hunters with excellent flying and predatory skills.
Although dinosaurs and pterosaurs took different paths in their evolution, both are fascinating ancient creatures that left a spectacular legacy on Earth’s history.
