Chapter 16: Problem 3

What two kinds of flying vertebrates evolved during early Mesozoic time?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The two kinds of flying vertebrates that evolved during the early Mesozoic time were Pterosaurs and early birds such as Archaeopteryx. Pterosaurs were the first vertebrates to achieve powered flight, while Archaeopteryx represented a key transitional species between dinosaurs and modern birds.

Step by step solution

Understand the Mesozoic Era

The Mesozoic Era is an important geological time period that lasted from about 252 to 66 million years ago. It is divided into three periods: the Triassic, the Jurassic, and the Cretaceous. The early Mesozoic time refers to the early part of this era, which includes the Triassic and part of the Jurassic Period. Many new species, including the first dinosaurs, appeared during the early Mesozoic time, setting the stage for the great diversity that would characterize the age of dinosaurs.

Identify the first type of flying vertebrate

The first type of flying vertebrate that evolved during the early Mesozoic time is the Pterosaurs. Pterosaurs were the first vertebrates to achieve powered flight, and they existed from the late Triassic to the end of the Cretaceous Period. They had wings made of a membrane of skin stretching from their elongated fourth finger to their hind limbs. There were many different species of pterosaurs that evolved during this time, with varying sizes and shapes.

Identify the second type of flying vertebrate

The second type of flying vertebrate that evolved during the early Mesozoic time is the early birds, such as Archaeopteryx. Archaeopteryx is considered a transitional species between dinosaurs and modern birds, as it possessed features of both groups. It had wings and feathers like modern birds, but still retained other characteristics of its dinosaur ancestors, such as teeth, a long bony tail, and a skeleton that was not fully adapted for flight. The first appearance of Archaeopteryx was around 150 million years ago, during the late Jurassic Period.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the two kinds of flying vertebrates that evolved during the early Mesozoic time were Pterosaurs and early birds such as Archaeopteryx. These species represent important evolutionary advancements in the history of life on Earth, with Pterosaurs being the first vertebrates to achieve powered flight, and Archaeopteryx representing a key transitional species between dinosaurs and modern birds.

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What two kinds of flying vertebrates evolved during early Mesozoic time?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the Mesozoic Era

Identify the first type of flying vertebrate

Identify the second type of flying vertebrate

Conclusion

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