Pterosaurs

Pterosaurs

            Various studies and research suggest that pterosaurs were among the first flying reptiles to have successfully evolved great flight as vertebrates. In addition to these airborne capabilities, the wings of the pterosaurs were a combination of skin membrane and other stretched tissues extending from the lengthened fingers to the ankles (Naish, et al, 51). An article suggests that they were in existence during the Mesozoic era which spanned from the late Triassic period to the Cretaceous period, an average of 230 to 67 million years ago. Through scientific discovery, the analysis presents pterosaur’s specimen that further reveal detailed information about the same (Hyder, 17). The report asserts that these creatures had four different varieties of feathers for instance in terms of structures. This paper aims at researching on pterosaurs, with a particular interest in time of existence, diet constituents as well as hunting mechanisms.

Results from a detailed study and research approve that since the fossils of this creature have been found to dominate the Bavaria region in Germany in the Jurassic period, it is, therefore, possible to conclude that most of the pterosaurs existed. However, despite this finding, other sources suggest the possibility of other pterosaurs species to have occupied America, and Asia continents as well with minimal citing in Africa and Australia (Govorin, and Kostin, 47). Other than flying, fossil footprints indicate that pterosaurs were capable of standing with their entire feet in contact with the ground. With this evidence, it is possible to conclude that the creature might have had a chance to walk or bipedally ran.

The complexity of the pterosaur’s anatomy is quite intriguing as it was a modification of reptile ancestry to adapt to flying. In support of this conclusion is the natural hollow bones that resemble those of birds. Besides, they are characterized by a keeled breast bone developed for muscle attachment for purposes of flight (Hyder, 17). Lastly, fossils indicate that the backbone located over the shoulders fused into a notarium that stiffened the torso while flying.

Evidence presented by scientists reveals a great deal of information concerning the feeding and diet habits of the pterosaurs. A traditional view sees pterosaurs as piscivores that surface feed, a look that has dominated the popular culture. In spite of this view, the majority of the creature are now considered as omnivores or similarly insectivores as well as terrestrial carnivores (Govorin, and Kostin, 47). With great ability to maneuver while in flight, the pterosaur had the capability of grabbing their prey while flying. In other instances, the creature was considered a beetle specialist due to the lack or robust jaws (D’Alba, 13). Other prey items that have been hypothesized in research include jellyfish and the shellfish. Other than being a predator, pterosaurs are known to constitute the diet of therapods (Hyder, 17). Considering fossils that indicated articulation, it is possible to conclude that the vertebrae of the pterosaur were not eaten or similarly exposed to digestion.

In conclusion, pterosaurs have remained to be a staple of a diverse culture just like the dinosaurs despite their omission in prominent literature and films.  It is quite evident that in the 20^th century, pterosaur research resulted in increased attention in the ancient creatures with aims of determining their survivability in their various regions.

Works cited

D’Alba, Liliana. “Pterosaur Plumage”. Nature Ecology & Evolution, vol 3, no. 1, 2018, p.13.         Springer Nature, doi:10.1038/s41559-018-0767-0.

Govorin, Anatoliy A., and Andrey V. Kostin. “Actual Goals And Objectives Of Strategic            Development Of Domestic Industry”. Statistics And Economics, no. 3, 2017, p.47.     Plekhanov Russian University Of Economics (PRUE), doi:10.21686/2500-3925-2017-3-    41-47.

Hyder, Elaine. “Evolution Of The Pterosaur Pelvis”. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica, 2012.            Polska Akademia Nauk Instytut Paleobiologii (Institute Of Paleobiology, Polish Academy       Of Sciences), p. 17. doi:10.4202/app.2011.1109.

Naish, Darren et al. “A New Small-Bodied Azhdarchoid Pterosaur From The Lower Cretaceous   Of England And Its Implications For Pterosaur Anatomy, Diversity And Phylogeny”.           Plos ONE, vol 8, no. 3, 2013, p.51. Public Library Of Science (Plos),       doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0058451.