Zhejiangopterus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids ZhejiangopterusTemporal range: Upper Cretaceous 81.5 mya
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| Zhejiangopterus linhaiensis | |
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Azhdarchidae
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Zhejiangopterus
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| Zhejiangopterus linhaiensis Cai & Feng, 1994
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Zhejiangopterus (say: ZHE-jee-ang-OP-ter-us) was a type of pterosaur. Pterosaurs were flying reptiles that lived a long time ago. This amazing creature was discovered in China. It lived during the late Cretaceous period, which was about 81.5 million years ago.
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Discovering Zhejiangopterus
Scientists have found at least six different fossil examples of adult Zhejiangopterus. These fossils help us learn how big it was and what it looked like. Zhejiangopterus was a medium-sized pterosaur. When it was first found, experts thought its wingspan (how wide its wings stretched) was about 5 meters (16.4 feet). Later, they realized it was a bit smaller, around 3.5 meters (11 feet) wide. That's still pretty big, like a small car!
What Zhejiangopterus Looked Like
Its Head and Beak
The skull of Zhejiangopterus was long and low. It had a smooth, curved shape. Unlike some other pterosaurs, it didn't have a bony "keel" or crest on its head. Its beak was long, thin, and came to a sharp point. It was also toothless, meaning it didn't have any teeth. This kind of beak was perfect for catching slippery prey.
Its Body and Wings
Zhejiangopterus had a strong body built for flying. Its neck bones (cervical vertebrae) were long. The first six bones in its back (dorsal vertebrae) were fused together. This made its chest very stable. A stable chest was important to handle the strong forces from its wings during flight.
Scientists also found several pairs of "belly ribs." These are special ribs that supported its belly. Its upper leg bone was about half the size of its upper arm bone. Both bones were strong but thin. The wings of Zhejiangopterus were short but very sturdy, which helped it fly powerfully.
Pictures of Zhejiangopterus
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A drawing showing what Zhejiangopterus might have looked like.
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A reconstructed skeleton of Zhejiangopterus.
See also
In Spanish: Zhejiangopterus para niños
