Pterosaurs had lightweight bones, allowing them to soar effortlessly despite their large size. This unique adaptation gave them an advantage in the skies.
Their wings, made of a tough membrane supported by an elongated finger, provided excellent lift and control, making them skilled flyers in various wind conditions.
Scientists now confirm that powerful chest muscles enabled strong wingbeats, giving pterosaurs the strength needed for long flights and sharp maneuvers.
This breakthrough highlights how pterosaurs combined physical adaptations with evolution's ingenuity to become the first vertebrates to master powered flight.
Launching from the ground was key to their flight. They used a quadrupedal launch technique, pushing off with both wings and legs simultaneously.
New fossil evidence reveals precise joint structures in their wings, allowing incredible flexibility and control during flight, even in turbulent air.
Their keen eyesight played a crucial role in hunting and navigation, helping them spot prey and avoid obstacles while gliding through prehistoric skies.