pterodactyl fossil
Pterodactyl fossil, which shows the similarities between it and modern birds.
pterodactyl
fossil reptile group
Also known as: pterodactyloid
pterodactyl, informal term for a subgroup of flying reptiles (Pterosauria) known from the Late Jurassic through Late Cretaceous epochs (163.5 million to 66 million years ago). Pterodactyls, or, more correctly, pterodactyloids, are distinguished from basal pterosaurs by their reduced teeth, tail, and fifth toe. Pterodactyloid metacarpals (palm bones) were more elongated than those of earlier pterosaurs, which instead had elongated phalanges (finger bones). There are also proportional differences in the skull, neck, pelvis, and wing...
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