Pterosaurs on the wing
Each lineage of flying vertebrates, birds, bats, and pterosaurs, has wings made from modified arms. Pterosaur wings are made from skin membranes called patagia, and their shape tells us how different pterosaurs flew.
Pterosaurs evolved solutions to the problems of powered flight in ways different than, but similar to, those found by bats and birds.
- 1
Propatagium
A small membrane at the front of the wing that helped pterosaurs slow down and land.
- 2
Brachiopatagium
The main wing membrane, which provided the majority of lift and propulsion in flight.
- 3
Uropatagium
A membrane between the hind legs that may have helped when landing, like the tail-fans of birds. Insect-eating pterosaurs may also have used it to corral flying insects, in a manner similar to bats.
Wing shape reveals lifestyle
Ornithocheirids
Very long, narrow wings like those of the modern albatross allowed long-distance, soaring flight, with little need to flap except on takeoff and landing.
Tapejarids
Long but broad wings like those of crows and jays suggest they were strong, maneuverable fliers.
Rhamphorhynchids
Narrow, pointed wings like those of gulls, terns, and petrels suggest they were oceangoing pterosaurs that dove for fish and squid.
