The Variety of Pterosaurs

SCIENCE CONCEPT:

The Pterosaurs existed in a variety of shapes and sizes which probably allowed them to fill many niches in their environment. Similar niches today in our environment are filled by birds and bats.

STUDENT OBJECTIVE:

The student will observe the various Pterosaurs and how they filled the niches in the environment for that time for flight.

OVERVIEW:

The Pterosaurs ranged in size from those of small birds today to true giants. Most common were those the size of a chicken or raven. Clearly, the Pterosaurs had adapted to a variety of environmental niches just as modern birds have. Although the fossil record is sparse and represents snap shots in time, the random view it affords us of Pterosaurs indicates that these creatures had successfully adapted to the vast varieties of conditions which existed.

PREPARATION TIME:

15 minutes.

LESSON TIME:

25 minutes.

TEACHER PREP:

Gather pictures of the various Pterosaurs

WORDS TO KNOW:

Pterosaurs

Quetzalcoatlus

Pterodactyls

Rhamphorrhynchus

Dimorphodon

Pteranodon

niches

environmental

TEACHER TEXT:

The Pterosaurs ranged in size from those of small birds today to true giants. Most common were those the size of a chicken or raven. The Quetzalcoatlus, the largest Pterosaur found to date, is believed to have had a wing span of up to 63 feet. The size of a modern aircraft such as a DC-3. Although its actual size is debated, along with its ability to fly or glide. From the fossil record, only a certain amount of information can be obtained, the rest deducted. So its likely that the Quetzalcoatlus will remain controversial for quite some time.

Another Pterosaur, the Pterodactyls, had a long but stout neck and a long fine toothed snout and most likely would use its snout to probe worm holes for worms along sandy beaches. It was not much bigger than a modern pigeon. One of the strangest Pterosaurs was the Rhamphorrhynchus. A tapered pointed snout, sharp needle like teeth, not an unusual combination for a Pterosaur. These were aptly used for spearing fish, probably while in low flight over the water.

The Dimorphodon was a Pterosaur which had a stout but massive jaw with sharp opposing teeth. Obviously the Dimorphodon had the ability to quickly snap its jaw down on its prey. With its 'S' shaped neck which could straighten and snap forward and its sharp toothed jaw this Pterosaur was a formidable predator. Another strange adaptation was the Pteranodon which had a crest or protrusion on the top of its head sticking out as far as its jaw was long. Its skull was in the middle with its long toothless snout facing forward and its long crest on its head facing rearward. The function of this crest is unknown.

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Last modified: Sun Nov 16 11:30:02 PST 1997