Introduces various winged creatures that lived in the time of the dinosaurs.

Pterosaurs or flying reptiles were the first vertebrates to evolve flight. These distant relatives of modern reptiles and dinosaurs lived from the Late Triassic (over 200 million years ago) to the end of the Cretaceous (about 65 million years ago) a span of some 135 million years. When they became extinct, no relatives survived them and as a result these prehistoric animals cannot readily be compared with our modern-day fauna. So what do we know of these highly succsessful animals? The present summary answers this and many more questions based on the most recent results of modern scientific research. After a short introduction to palaeontology as a science and its history related to pterosaurs, it explains what pterosaurs were, when and where they lived, and what they looked like. Topics such as disease, injury and reproduction are also discussed. Separated from this text are 'Mark explains' boxes. Each of these explanations puts one specific species in the spotlight and focuses on its lifestyle. They show how diverse pterosaurs were, from small insectivorous animals with a wingspan of nearly 40 centimetres to the biggest flying animals ever to take to the air, with wingspans of over 10 metres and with a way of life comparable to modern-day storks. The text is illustrated with many full colour photographs and beautiful palaeo-art prepared by experts in the field.

This series about dinosaurs covers different types of dinosaur, from the incredibly ferocious T-Rex, to the smaller (but just as deadly) Coelophysis. Children can learn about their anatomy, behaviour, eating habits, and imagine what life might have been like in the prehistoric world in an informative way. It includes Internet links to take children to relevant sites on the Net. It also includes the most up-to-date information on the latest fossil discoveries.

The discovery of stunning, feathered dinosaur fossils coming out of China since 2006 suggests that these creatures were much more bird-like than paleontologists previously imagined. Further evidenceÑbones, genetics, eggs, behavior, and moreÑdemonstrates a seamless transition from fleet-footed carnivores to the ancestors of modern birds. Mixing colorful portraits with news on the latest fossil findings and interviews with leading paleontologists in the United States, China, Europe, and Australia, award-winning journalist John Pickrell details dinosaursÕ development of flight, which introduced a whole new range of abilities for the animals and helped them survive best out of the thousands of dinosaur species that once populated the Earth. Pickrell also turns his journalistic eye toward the stories behind the discoveries, investigating the role of the Chinese black market in trading fossils, the controversies among various dinosaur hunters, the interference of national governments intent on protecting information, and the race to publish findings first that make this research such a dynamic area of science.

Explore the world of dinosaurs--take flight with prehistoric flying creatures! Did you know a Caelestiventus had more than 100 pointy teeth? Or that a Tupandactylus had wings that were made of one long finger bone? Millions of years ago, many strange animals lived on the earth--and some of the most amazing inhabitants were the prehistoric flying creatures! From the tiny and colorful Eurotrochilus to the airplane-sized Quetzalcoatlus, you'll find tons of facts on wild winged dinosaurs and pterosaurs, plus amazing illustrations that give you a look at some of the awesome flying creatures that ruled the air. Beyond Dinosaurs! My First Book About Flying Creatures includes: Dozens of dino-mite facts! Incredible full-color illustrations! Fun, fact-filled profiles on 30 flying creatures! Take a time machine to the world of dinosaurs, and fly alongside the prehistoric flying creatures.

Examines some of the flying reptiles, including the Pteranodon, Sordes, and Tapejara.

This book synthesises the growing body of evidence which suggests that modern-day birds have evolved from theropod dinosaurs of prehistoric times. The author argues that the ancestor-descendant relationship can also be reversed.