pterosaur
Noun: 1. An extinct flying reptile: A pterosaur is a member of an extinct order of reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era (from the Late Triassic to the end of the Cretaceous period). They were the first vertebrates known to have evolved powered flight.
The word "pterosaur" is used to refer to any member of this extinct group of flying reptiles. It is a scientific term commonly used in paleontology, biology, and general discussions about prehistoric life. * Pterosaurs are not dinosaurs, but they lived alongside them. * The fossil record shows that pterosaurs varied greatly in size. * Scientists study the wing structure of the pterosaur to understand early vertebrate flight.
- The , with its large crest and lack of teeth, is a well-known type of .
- The discovery of a new species provided insights into their diversity.
- Unlike birds, had wings made of a membrane of skin stretched from an elongated fourth finger to the body.
- As a taxonomic group: The term is often used to refer to the entire order Pterosauria.
- Pterosaur evolution is marked by adaptations for flight.
- Distinguishing from other reptiles: It is crucial to clarify that pterosaurs are a distinct group from dinosaurs, marine reptiles like plesiosaurs, and modern birds or bats.
- While often depicted together, a pterosaur and a Tyrannosaurus rex belonged to different major branches of reptiles.
- Pterosauria (n): The scientific order name for pterosaurs.
- Pterodactyl (n): A common but informal term often used to refer to pterosaurs in general, though technically it refers to members of the suborder Pterodactyloidea.
- Pteranodon (n): A specific genus of large, toothless pterosaur from the Late Cretaceous.
- Rhamphorhynchus (n): A specific genus of long-tailed pterosaur from the Jurassic period.
- Flying reptile: A descriptive, non-scientific synonym.
- (Informal) Pterodactyl: A widely recognized but technically imprecise synonym in popular culture.
- Extinct reptile: A broader category that includes pterosaurs, dinosaurs, and many other groups.
- Membranous wing: Describes the wing type characteristic of pterosaurs (and bats), as opposed to the feathered wings of birds.
- Mesozoic Era: The geologic time period (the "Age of Reptiles") during which pterosaurs lived.
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an extinct reptile of the Jurassic and Cretaceous having a bird-like beak and membranous wings supported by the very long fourth digit of each forelimb
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