Pterosaurs (, winged lizards, often referred to as pterodactyls, ) were flying reptiles of the clade Pterosauria. They existed from the late Triassic to the end of the Cretaceous period (228 to 65 million years ago). Pterosaurs were the first vertebrates to evolve flight. Their wings were formed by a sophisticated membrane of skin stretching from the torso to a dramatically lengthened fourth finger. Earlier species had long, fully-toothed jaws and long tails, while later forms had a highly reduced tail, and some lacked teeth.
At least 60 genera of pterosaurs have been found, ranging from the size of a small bird to wingspans in excess of 10 meters (33 feet). Since the first pterosaur fossil was discovered in the late Jurassic Solnhofen limestone in 1784, twenty-nine kinds of pterosaurs have been found in those deposits alone. Most paleontologists now believe that pterosaurs were adapted for active flight, not just gliding as was earlier believed.
More on [ Pterosaur ]

Pterosaurs in Texas - The UnNaural Museum exhibit
The Pterosaur Database - Information about pterosaur fossils, morphology, and collection sites. Includes links to other resources and bibliography.
Meta Description: [ The Pterosaur Database is a first stop site for anyone wishing to study this interesting group of fossil animals ]
Translation and Pronunciation Guide - Pterosauria pronunciation guide from Dinosauria.com.
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