An extinct flying reptile from the Mesozoic era with membranous wings supported by an elongated fourth finger. Though often used generically, it technically refers to a specific genus of pterosaur.
From Greek pteron meaning 'wing' and daktylos meaning 'finger,' coined in 1809 when the first fossil was scientifically described. The name refers to the distinctive wing structure supported by an extremely elongated finger bone.
Despite popular depictions, pterodactyls were likely covered in fur-like filaments called pycnofibers, not scales, and they probably couldn't carry off large prey due to weight limitations. The largest pterosaurs had wingspans up to 35 feet but hollow bones kept them surprisingly light.
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