This course explores the world of pterosaurs, focusing on their discovery, evolution, and unique characteristics. By the end of the course, learners will understand the early history of pterosaurs, their relationship with other archosaurs, and their diverse lifestyles. The course covers topics such as pterosaur wing structures, famous fossil sites, and comparisons of body masses with birds. The teaching method includes a speaker series lecture, providing in-depth insights into the world of pterosaurs. This course is intended for individuals interested in paleontology, evolutionary biology, or prehistoric creatures.
Overview
Syllabus
Over the heads of the dinosaurs. pterosaurs!
Discovering pterosaurs
Early Pterosaur Restorations
Early Dimorphodon restoration
Reptile Radiation During the Triassic
The Late Triassic World 220 million years ago
Earliest known pterosaur locations - Late Triassic, fine-grained, marine sediments
Pterosaur relationships with other archosaurs
Two basic forms of pterosaurs
Pterosaur Lifestyles
Pterosaur wing
Rhamphorhynchus meunsteri - "Dark Wing"
Pterosaurian smart wing
How did pterosaurs get airborne?
How did pterosaurs get airbome?
Darwinopterus embryos in eggs
Famous Pterosaur Fossil Sites - Solnhofen, Bavaria
Famous Pterosaur Fossil Sites - Santana Formation, Brazil
Estimating plerosaur body masses
The strange case of Quetzalcoatlus northropi
Body Mass Comparisons Between the Largest Extant Birds
Body Mass Comparisons Between Largest known Pterosaurs
Temporal Span Equivalence of Pterosaurs and Birds
Multiple, independent losses of fight among birds over 150 Ma
Taught by
Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology
