Pterodactyl
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Pterodactyls: Insights from American Discoveries and Popular Culture
Discovery and Classification of American Pterodactyls
Early Discoveries in Kansas
The first remains of pterodactyls in the United States were discovered in the autumn of 1870 near the Smoky Hill River in Western Kansas. These remains belonged to a gigantic species, later named Pteranodon occidentalis, found in the Middle Cretaceous deposits2 4 5. Subsequent explorations in the same region yielded additional specimens, leading to the identification of two new species within the same genus2 5. These findings were significant as they indicated that pterodactyls, previously thought to be absent in America, were well-represented during the later Cretaceous period5.
Unique Characteristics of American Species
The American pterodactyls, particularly those from the Yale Museum collections, exhibited distinct features compared to their European counterparts. For instance, the bones of Pterodactylus montanus were thicker and less specialized, suggesting a different evolutionary path1. Additionally, the genus Dermodactylus, represented by Dermodactylus montanus, was identified based on unique characteristics such as non-ankylosed scapula and coracoid, and procoelous vertebrae1.
Toothless Pterodactyls: Pteranodontia
A notable discovery was the identification of a new suborder, Pteranodontia, characterized by the absence of teeth. This suborder included the family Pteranodontidae, with Pteranodon as the typical genus4. The absence of teeth distinguished these pterodactyls from other known forms and highlighted the diversity within the Pterosauria order4.
Anatomical and Functional Adaptations
Wing Structure and Flight
Pterodactyls were highly specialized for flight, with some species having wingspans reaching up to 25 feet6. Their wing structure was such that it is difficult to imagine them using any other means of progression besides flying8. The patagial finger, supported by three small, unguiculate fingers, played a crucial role in flight and possibly in prehension and ambulation9.
Evolution of Fingers
The evolution of pterodactyl fingers shows a trend towards specialization. In older forms, the fingers were well-developed and articulated with the carpus, while in later forms, these bones became attenuated or entirely lost9. This evolutionary trend reflects the increasing specialization of pterodactyls for flight over time9.
Cultural Impact and Popularity
Influence of Arthur Conan Doyle
The popularity of pterodactyls in modern culture can be significantly attributed to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 1912 novel, "The Lost World." This adventure story, featuring prehistoric creatures including pterodactyls, captured the public's imagination and cemented the pterodactyl's place in popular culture10. Doyle's work, along with earlier comparisons of pterosaurs to dragons and vampires, contributed to the enduring fascination with these prehistoric reptiles10.
Conclusion
The discovery and study of American pterodactyls have provided valuable insights into the diversity and specialization of these ancient flying reptiles. From the early finds in Kansas to the identification of unique genera and suborders, American pterodactyls have significantly contributed to our understanding of pterosaur evolution. Additionally, the cultural impact of pterodactyls, popularized by works like Conan Doyle's "The Lost World," continues to captivate the public's imagination, ensuring that these remarkable creatures remain iconic symbols of the prehistoric world.
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Note on American pterodactyls
The only known species of American pterodactyl is Dermodactylus montanus, with a genus distinct from Pterodactylus and a wingspan of about five or six feet.
IV.—Principal Characters of American Cretaceous Pterodactyls
The first remains of Pterodactyls discovered in this country were found by the writer, in the autumn of 1870, near the Smoky Hill River, in Western Kansas. These belonged to a gigantic species, which was described by the writer in 1871, and is now known as Pteranodon occidentalis. The geological horizon of these fossils was in the Middle Cretaceous, in the same deposits that contain the Odontornithes, or Birds with teeth. In the following year, additional specimens were secured by the writer in the same region, and referred to two new species of the same genus
pterodactyls: A Tool to Uniformly Search and Vet for Young Transiting Planets in TESS Primary Mission Photometry
Pterodactyls effectively discovers transiting young planets in TESS Primary Mission photometry, potentially suggesting that these planets have shrunk due to atmospheric mass loss.
Notice of a new suborder of Pterosauria
This new suborder of Pterosauria, characterized by the absence of teeth, may be called Pteranodolltia and belong to the family Pterarl.Odontidce.
Discovery of additional remains of Pterosauria with descriptions of two new species
Pterodactylus Oweni and two other large Pterosauria species were well represented in America during the later Cretaceous, proving that these reptiles were well represented in the country during the Cretaceous period.
Principal characters of American Cretaceous pterodactyls; Part 1, The skull of Pteranodon
The skull of Pteranodon, the largest known American Cretaceous pterodactyl, shows a unique morphology, with a slender, slender-to-oblong shape and a slender, slender-to-ob
Mechanochemistry of Pterodactylane.
Pterodactylane has a significantly lower threshold force for mechanoactivation when pulled from the central rung compared to the end rung, guiding future designs of mechanophores with low threshold forces for force-responsive materials.
On the Flight of Pterodactyls
Pterodactyls had a unique structure, with a body size similar to a cat and a wing span of 21 feet or more, making their flight more specialized than any other animal known.
III.—The Fingers of Pterodactyls
Pterodactyls have three small, unguiculate fingers on the radial side of the patagial finger, used for support, possibly also in prehension and ambulation, with older forms having better developed metacarpals and articulation with the carpus, while later forms have greatly at
Dr Arthur Conan Doyle’s contribution to the popularity of pterodactyls
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 1912 adventure novel The Lost World significantly contributed to the widespread popularity of pterodactyls, a flying reptile with a long history of being compared to demons, dragons, and vampires.
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