Pterosaurs


Book Description

Pterosaurs or flying reptiles were the first vertebrates to evolve flight. These distant relatives of modern reptiles and dinosaurs lived from the Late Triassic (over 200 million years ago) to the end of the Cretaceous (about 65 million years ago) a span of some 135 million years. When they became extinct, no relatives survived them and as a result these prehistoric animals cannot readily be compared with our modern-day fauna. So what do we know of these highly succsessful animals? The present summary answers this and many more questions based on the most recent results of modern scientific research. After a short introduction to palaeontology as a science and its history related to pterosaurs, it explains what pterosaurs were, when and where they lived, and what they looked like. Topics such as disease, injury and reproduction are also discussed. Separated from this text are 'Mark explains' boxes. Each of these explanations puts one specific species in the spotlight and focuses on its lifestyle. They show how diverse pterosaurs were, from small insectivorous animals with a wingspan of nearly 40 centimetres to the biggest flying animals ever to take to the air, with wingspans of over 10 metres and with a way of life comparable to modern-day storks. The text is illustrated with many full colour photographs and beautiful palaeo-art prepared by experts in the field.




Flying Dinosaurs


Book Description

Introduces various winged creatures that lived in the time of the dinosaurs.




Flying Dinosaurs


Book Description

The discovery of stunning, feathered dinosaur fossils coming out of China since 2006 suggests that these creatures were much more bird-like than paleontologists previously imagined. Further evidenceÑbones, genetics, eggs, behavior, and moreÑdemonstrates a seamless transition from fleet-footed carnivores to the ancestors of modern birds. Mixing colorful portraits with news on the latest fossil findings and interviews with leading paleontologists in the United States, China, Europe, and Australia, award-winning journalist John Pickrell details dinosaursÕ development of flight, which introduced a whole new range of abilities for the animals and helped them survive best out of the thousands of dinosaur species that once populated the Earth. Pickrell also turns his journalistic eye toward the stories behind the discoveries, investigating the role of the Chinese black market in trading fossils, the controversies among various dinosaur hunters, the interference of national governments intent on protecting information, and the race to publish findings first that make this research such a dynamic area of science.




Beyond Dinosaurs! My First Book about Flying Creatures


Book Description

Explore the world of dinosaurs--take flight with prehistoric flying creatures! Did you know a Caelestiventus had more than 100 pointy teeth? Or that a Tupandactylus had wings that were made of one long finger bone? Millions of years ago, many strange animals lived on the earth--and some of the most amazing inhabitants were the prehistoric flying creatures! From the tiny and colorful Eurotrochilus to the airplane-sized Quetzalcoatlus, you'll find tons of facts on wild winged dinosaurs and pterosaurs, plus amazing illustrations that give you a look at some of the awesome flying creatures that ruled the air. Beyond Dinosaurs! My First Book About Flying Creatures includes: Dozens of dino-mite facts! Incredible full-color illustrations! Fun, fact-filled profiles on 30 flying creatures! Take a time machine to the world of dinosaurs, and fly alongside the prehistoric flying creatures.




Flying Giants of Dinosaur Time


Book Description

Examines some of the flying reptiles, including the Pteranodon, Sordes, and Tapejara.




Dinosaurs of the Air


Book Description

This book synthesises the growing body of evidence which suggests that modern-day birds have evolved from theropod dinosaurs of prehistoric times. The author argues that the ancestor-descendant relationship can also be reversed.




Prehistoric Flying Reptiles


Book Description

Provides a glimpse into the lives of the flying reptiles, explaining what they were, what they looked like, where they lived, and explores the latest discoveries from paleontologists.




Weird Dinosaurs


Book Description

“A tour de force…highlights the odd reptiles that roamed all corners of the earth millions of years ago.”—Sydney Morning Herald From the outback of Australia to the Gobi Desert of Mongolia and the savanna of Madagascar, the award-winning science writer and dinosaur enthusiast John Pickrell embarks on a world tour of new finds, meeting the fossil hunters who work at the frontier of discovery. He reveals the dwarf dinosaurs unearthed by an eccentric Transylvanian baron; an aquatic, crocodile-snouted carnivore bigger than T. rex that once lurked in North African waterways; a Chinese dinosaur with wings like a bat; and a Patagonian sauropod so enormous it weighed more than two commercial jet airliners. Other surprising discoveries hail from Alaska, Siberia, Canada, Burma, and South Africa. Why did dinosaurs grow so huge? How did they spread across the world? Did they all have feathers? What do sauropods have in common with 1950s vacuum cleaners? The stuff of adventure movies and scientific revolutions, Weird Dinosaurs examines the latest breakthroughs and new technologies that are radically transforming our understanding of the distant past. “This history of the discovery of some of the most outlandish creatures that ever lived, and the excitement of paleontological research, will be sure to both entertain and instruct.”—Spencer Lucas, author of Dinosaurs: The Textbook, Sixth Edition “Fascinating.... Readers learn of beautiful opalised dinosaur bones from Australia and a crested dinosaur found approximately 13,000 feet up Antarctica's Mt. Kirkpatrick, demonstrating that dinosaurs were widely distributed across the globe.”—Publishers Weekly




Flying Dinosaurs Coloring Book


Book Description

Newly discovered remains of prehistoric creatures inspired these 30 illustrations of flying reptiles and birds. Captions describe feathering patterns, incubation periods, and nesting habits.




Flying Dinosaurs Paper Airplane Kit


Book Description

This origami instruction booklet will provide hours of fun and excitement for the whole family! Learn how to create 36 exciting paper airplane dinosaurs with expert guidance. The airplanes range from simple models that can be folded up in a few minutes to slightly more complex ones with superior aerodynamics. Most of your favorite dinosaurs are included here: Stegosaurus—whose thick, bony plates double as wing stabilizers Velociraptor—a clever nose-lock dart that's designed for speed in flight! Tyrannosaurus Rex—whose muscular jaws provide ballast at the front of the plane Plesiosaurus—with a long, fuselage-like neck which is surprisingly stealthy in the air And many other impressive flying dinosaur airplanes! The full-color, step-by-step instructions in the instruction book are very easy to follow and flying tips are also included to help you coax the best performance from each model. Paper airplanes have never looked this good!