Pterodactylus

P. antiquus (Holotype)

Etymology and description

The name derives from the Greek words ptero ("winged") and dactyl ("finger"), and refers to the way the wing is supported by one large finger. Like all pterosaurs, Pterodactyluss wing stretched from its last finger to its torso, and was internally supported by collagen fibres, and externally by keratinous ridges. It was originally believed that pterosaurs were gliders, but studies have shown that they could sustain true, powered flight.

Related Topics:
Greek - Collagen - Keratin

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