Pterodactylus (Jurassic)

Pterodactylus (from Greek meaning “winged finger”) is a member of the Pterosauria order, Jurassic period reptiles evolved powered flight. They are divided into major types: rhamphorhynchoids and pterodactyloids. Pterodactilus belongs to the second group. The Terra-DAC-tallus inhabited regions of Germany, France and Tanzania about 155-145 million years ago.
The Pterodactylus had an unusual structure. Its head was elongated and relatively small with a long-pointed beak. The crest was nearly equal to the beak length and decorated the skull top. Pterodactylus had an advanced brain and cerebellum.
To ensure flight freedom and maneuverability, the Pterodactylus skeletal system included various hollow bones.
Four forelimb digits: one long with several phalanges served as wing support, and three small ones which would have made the reptile an effective climber of rock and branches. The membranous wing stretched from its elongated fourth finger to its hind limb resembling a BASE-jumping suit.
Pterodactylus dwelt in rookeries and roosted along the coastlines. They spent a night on the tree branches and in the morning jumped from a height so that it could open out the wings upwind, because they were unable to take off. Their diet included fish and insects.
Pterodactylus evolved to be of many sizes. They varied from pigeon size up to the 12 metres wingspan creature named Quetzalcoatlus. This reptile was covered with fluffy fur protecting it against the cold nights.