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Is a pterosaur a dinosaur?

Is a pterosaur a dinosaur?
Quick Answer

Pterosaurs are not dinosaurs. They belong to another extinct group of ancient creatures, the order Pterosauria. Although pterosaurs and dinosaurs lived in the same period, they have obvious differences.First, pterosaurs are flying reptiles. They have special wing membrane structures an

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Pterosaurs are not dinosaurs. They belong to another extinct group of ancient creatures, the order Pterosauria. Although pterosaurs and dinosaurs lived in the same period, they have obvious differences.


First, pterosaurs are flying reptiles. They have special wing membrane structures and light bones, which are suitable for flying. Dinosaurs are land animals. Their forelimbs are usually used for running, climbing or grabbing food.


Second, the body structure of pterosaurs is also very different from that of dinosaurs. Pterosaurs have very long necks and large wings, and usually walk on four legs. Dinosaurs usually walk on two legs, with a more stable body structure, and they do not have developed wings and the ability to fly.


Finally, although pterosaurs and dinosaurs are both animals of the dinosaur era, they have different evolutionary paths and belong to different animal phyla. Pterosaurs are extinct, and dinosaurs became extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period.


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