Rhamphorhynchus fossil
A fossil of a Rhamphorhynchus, which shows the wing and tail membranes. Photo: Brussels Science Museum

when flying reptiles ruled

Scientists have long puzzled over how pterosaurs became the first vertebrates to master flight. PhD researcher Natalia Jagielska's team at the University of Edinburgh have made some interesting discoveries

20 January, 2025, by Natalia Jagielska

Scientists have long puzzled over how pterosaurs became the first vertebrates to master flight. Some pterosaur species, such as the Quetzalcoatlus were the largest known animals to ever take to the skies, with wingspans of over ten metres (on par with military aircraft like the Spitfire). My team’s new study may help solve the evolutionary mystery, revealing how a vane on the tip of their tails may have helped these ancient animals fly more efficiently.

It took some time for active flight to evolve in the natural world. The first flying animals were insects similar to dragonflies, which flapped their wings...

Join us and enjoy the full article

Subscribe to Cross Country for €4.50 – Get instant online access to this article and hundreds more plus Masterclasses. Cancel anytime.

Subscribe Already a Subscriber? Sign in here.


You may also like


Premium Articles