Pterosaurs, ancient flying reptiles, had different ways of flying. Some soared like eagles with fixed wings, while others flapped their wings like birds.
Scientists studied well-preserved pterosaur fossils from Jordan. The bones showed unique structures that revealed their flying styles.
One large pterosaur had spiral ridges inside its bones for soaring, like modern birds. A smaller species had criss-crossed struts for flapping.
The fossils were found in a coastal area, suggesting that soaring pterosaurs may have used warm air currents above the sea to fly.
More research is needed to understand how different pterosaurs flew. It’s possible that only the largest ones could soar, similar to big birds today.
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Vocabulary List:
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Pterosaur/ˈtɛr.ə.sɔr/noun
An ancient flying reptile that lived during the time of the dinosaurs.
Soar/sɔːr/verb
To fly or glide high in the air without flapping the wings.
Fossil/ˈfɒs.əl/noun
The preserved remains or traces of a once-living organism.
Structure/ˈstrʌk.tʃər/noun
The arrangement or organization of parts within a whole.
Current/ˈkʌr.ənt/noun
A flow of air or water in a particular direction.
Research/rɪˈsɜːrʧ/noun
The systematic investigation into a subject to discover facts or principles.
How much do you know?
How did some pterosaurs fly?
What did scientists study to understand pterosaurs' flying styles?
What unique structures in pterosaur bones revealed their flying styles?
Where were the pterosaur fossils found?
How might soaring pterosaurs have utilized warm air currents?
What is suggested about the ability to soar in pterosaurs?
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