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Context

• New species of chaoyangopterid pterosaur has been discovered.
• The new pterosaur species lived in China during the Early Cretaceous epoch, between 125 and 113 million years ago.

Pterosaurs:

Definition and Classification:

• Pterosaurs were flying reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era alongside dinosaurs.
• They belonged to the order Pterosauria, distinct from dinosaurs, and were the first vertebrates to evolve powered flight.

Time Period:

• Pterosaurs existed from the Late Triassic to the end of the Cretaceous, approximately 228 to 66 million years ago.

Wing Structure:

• Pterosaurs had a unique wing structure, with a membrane of skin, muscle, and other tissues stretched between an elongated fourth finger and the body.
• Some had crests on their heads, and many displayed various adaptations for different ecological roles.

Size Range:

• Pterosaurs varied widely in size, from small species with wingspans of about one meter to large forms with wingspans exceeding ten meters.
• Size categories include pterodactyloids (larger) and rhamphorhynchoids (smaller).

Habitats and Ecological Niches:

• Pterosaurs occupied diverse habitats, including coastal areas, inland lakes, and open oceans.
• They played various ecological roles, such as piscivores (fish-eaters), insectivores, and potential predators of small vertebrates.

Subgroups:

• Pterosaurs can be broadly categorized into subgroups, including Rhamphorhynchoids (long-tailed) and Pterodactyloids (short-tailed).
• The Pterodactyloids include well-known species like Pteranodon.

Extinction:

• Pterosaurs, like dinosaurs, became extinct at the end of the Cretaceous Period, possibly due to a mass extinction event.

Paleontological Significance:

• Fossilized remains of pterosaurs have been found on every continent, contributing significantly to our understanding of ancient ecosystems.
• Their fossils have been crucial in studies of vertebrate flight evolution.

Notable Species:

• Some notable pterosaur species include Pteranodon, Rhamphorhynchus, and Quetzalcoatlus.

Role in Evolutionary History:

• Pterosaurs represent a key chapter in the evolutionary history of vertebrate flight, showcasing the adaptations that led to powered flight in the animal kingdom.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements: 1.Pterosaurs were flying reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era alongside dinosaurs. 2.Pterosaurs became extinct at the end of the Cretaceous Period. 3.Fossilized remains of pterosaurs have been found on every continent. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A) 1 and 3 only B) 2 only C) 3 only D) All Answer: D) All