1.1" Ornithocheirid Pterosaur Fossil Tooth Lower Cretaceous Elrhaz FM Niger Africa

Location: Elrhaz Formation, Niger, Africa

Weight: 0.2 Ounces 

Dimension: 1.1 Inches Long, 0.2 Inches Wide

Comes with a free Display.

The item pictured is the one you will receive.

Upper Cretaceous 96 Million Years Old

 Name: Pterosaur

Type: Carnivore

Size: 10 to 12 meters in length

Pterosaurs, members of the extinct group Pterosauria, were the first vertebrates capable of powered flight, thriving throughout the Mesozoic Era from the Triassic to the Cretaceous Period (228–66 million years ago). These flying reptiles were a diverse and highly specialized group, ranging from small, agile species to enormous giants with wingspans surpassing 10 meters.

The wings of pterosaurs were formed by a thin membrane of skin, muscle, and connective tissue that extended from their hind limbs to a dramatically elongated fourth finger, allowing for both gliding and active flight. Early species featured long, toothed jaws and long tails, while later species evolved shorter tails and, in some cases, became toothless, reflecting dietary adaptations and aerodynamic efficiency.

Pterosaur bones were hollow and air-filled, similar to birds, providing a lightweight but strong framework for flight. They had extremely thin bone walls, a large, keeled breastbone for anchoring flight muscles, and an enlarged brain capable of coordinating complex aerial maneuvers. These adaptations made them highly efficient fliers, capable of hunting, gliding, and navigating vast Mesozoic landscapes.

From their unique skeletal structures to their diverse forms and feeding strategies, pterosaurs stand as one of the most remarkable examples of vertebrate flight evolution, dominating prehistoric skies for over 160 million years.