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Flashy headdresses

Many pterosaur fossils have bony ridges or spikes on their skulls and jaws collectively known as crests. They come in a spectacular variety of shapes and sizes. A few may have helped capture prey, but most are thought to have been display structures to attract mates and intimidate rivals. In fact, several species have crests in only one sex, probably males based on comparison to living animals.

Tapejara head and crest

Tapejara

Pteranodon head and crest

Pteranodon

Nyctosaurus head and crest

Nyctosaurus

Thalassodromeus head and crest

Thalassodromeus

Tupuxuara head and crest

Tupuxuara

Quetzalcoatlus head and crest

Quetzalcoatlus

Darwinopterus head and crest

Darwinopterus

Sinopterus head and crest

Sinopterus

Austriadactylus head and crest

Austriadactylus

Anhanguera head and crest

Anhanguera

Pterosaurs: The Field Guide — book cover

On Kickstarter · August 1

Pterosaurs: The Field Guide

Every known genus, illustrated and documented in one book. We launch on Kickstarter August 1. Leave your email and we’ll send you the link the moment it goes live.