PTEROSAURS Meaning and
Definition
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Pterosaurs are extinct reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era, specifically from the Late Triassic to the end of the Cretaceous period. They are commonly referred to as flying reptiles, as they were the first vertebrates to achieve powered flight. The name "pterosaur" is derived from the Greek words "ptero" (meaning wing) and "sauros" (meaning lizard), reflecting their unique adaptation of having membranous wings supported by a long fourth finger in their hands.
Pterosaurs were incredibly diverse, ranging in size from small creatures with a wingspan of around a foot to colossal giants with wingspans exceeding 30 feet. They varied greatly in their anatomy and lifestyle, but all pterosaurs possessed lightweight bodies, hollow bones, and long, elongated jaws filled with sharp teeth, signifying their carnivorous diet.
The wings of pterosaurs were made up of a thin layer of skin called the patagium, which stretched from their elongated fourth finger to their hind limbs and tail. This structure supported and controlled flight, allowing them to soar through the skies, navigate, and even perform acrobatic maneuvers. While most pterosaurs were adapted for powered flight, some also had the ability to glide or even walk on land, demonstrating their versatility.
The fossil record of pterosaurs provides valuable insights into the evolution and biology of these incredible creatures. They were contemporaries of dinosaurs, and their fossils have been discovered on every continent, indicating their wide distribution and adaptability. Pterosaurs played an important role in the ecosystems of the Mesozoic, occupying various niches as aerial predators, insectivores, fishers, and potentially even scavengers. Despite their extinction over 65 million years ago, pterosaurs
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In geol., an order of extinct saurians, fitted for aerial flight.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PTEROSAURS
Etymology of PTEROSAURS
The word "pterosaurs" comes from the Greek words "pteron", meaning "wing", and "sauros", meaning "lizard". Therefore, the term "pterosaurs" can be translated to mean "winged lizards". This is an accurate description of these prehistoric creatures, as they were flying reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era.
Similar spelling words for PTEROSAURS
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