Dragons may be portrayed as the largest animals to command the skies in movies and novels. However, Pterosaurs were the largest animals to take flight on Planet Earth (discovered so far). Check out Dinosaur Hall at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles to see a few Pterosaurs that ruled the skies 228 to 66 Million Years Ago. Pterodactyl or Pteranodon might be what most visualize when they think of a Pterosaur. Did you know there are to date 110 members of the Pterosaur Family of Flying Reptiles? Yes, Flying Reptiles “Not Dinosaurs” a different branch of a much Bigger Family Tree.
Most Dragons are illustrated with four legs. The ones with two legs have wings more like Bats. Pterosaurs have an extremely long fourth finger that connects the membrane wing for flight. On Earth only insects evolved with wings on their backs. Animals with backbones took flight due to their forearms developing into wings. The largest Pterosaurs are part of the Azhdarchidae (“dragon like” azhdar of Persian Mythology). Quetzalcoatlus lived during the Late Cretaceous Period 70 million years ago. With a 33 – 36 foot wingspan, Quetzalcoatlus would have cast a large shadow over the land T-Rex walked.
Check with your library for books regarding Dragons. “Mythical Creatures And the Impossible Real Animals Who Inspired Them” Adapted from and exhibition curated by Laurel Kendall & Mark A. Norell with Richard Ellis and the American Museum of Natural History Exhibition Department is a Great Choice. “Pterosaurs” by Mark Wilton is an excellent book covering a huge number of the various species, how they flew, walked and hunted. A Ptango with Pterosaurs an article by the NHMLA provided information for this post. For the full article https://nhm.org/stories/ptango-pterosaurs Be aware the series on HBO Max “Game of Thrones” is discussed in NHMLA’s article. This series is definitely not for young children.
Delores del Rio Dilophosaurus, Xiuhcoatl, Antonio & Dominic the T-Rex join me in the book reviews and checking out the NHMLA’s website articles. In 2016 I attended the NHMLA’s Exhibit: Pterosaurs – Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs. Perhaps they will bring the Exhibit back updated. Due to the conditions that must take place for an animal to become fossilized, it’s estimated that only 1/10 of 1% of the animals that existed became fossils. So, is it possible that Dragons escaped the fossil process? or just haven’t been discovered yet? Xiuhcoatl believes the later.
Stay Tuned for More Makeovers & Dinosaur Fun Facts!
Check out Your nearest Natural History Museum. Remember Social Distancing & Masks to keep You & Others Safe while Everyone Enjoys Their Learning Experience. Consider a Membership with the Museum. In addition to Supporting Their Valuable Work there are Benefits to You. Special Preview Events for Members Only as well as Virtual Access Exclusive for Members. For more information and access to general public eLearning check out the links below.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County www.nhm.org under Research & Collections / Digitized Collections will allow you to browse their Collections. Check out the latest Activities on their site.
The American Natural History Museum www.amnh.org You will find eLearning for Families, Students & Educators. Explore the Museum Virtually. Check Out SciCafe: Video Talks and Meet the Icons: Stories behind the Exhibits! There are Video Series covering Behind the Scenes at the Museum with Space & Dinosaur Explainers.
Chicago’s Field Museum www.fieldmuseum.org You can talk to “Maximo the Titanosaur” online, Yes Really! Visit Sue the largest T-Rex discovered! Check Out “Brain Scoop” and the Learning Resources – many are also in Spanish.
Check Out Your Libraries eBooks. My local Library has over 900 eBooks on Dinosaurs! Here are four books for Drawing Dinosaurs that you might find at your Library. Ask your Librarian about others.
1-2-3 Draw Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Animals A step by step guide by Freddie Levin (2001)
Draw 50 Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Animals by Lee J. Ames (1977)
Draw it Dinosaurs by Patricia Walsh (2006)
I Can Draw Dinosaurs by Terry Longhurst (2003)
Stay Safe & Well.
Please Remember to Wear Masks & Social Distance as Appropriate Not everyone has been Vaccinated. And even vaccinated many Young & Old have compromised immune systems. Protect Yourself, Friends, Family & Everyone You Pass!
Thank You!
I used watercolors to make Dinosaur Designs on my N95 Masks (New Ones above). I couldn’t get a yes or no from 3M regarding any impact this might have to the effectiveness of the mask. Many Museums sell Dinosaur Themed Masks Check them Out!
“Encouraging the Appreciation of Art and Education through the Inspiration of Dinosaurs”
Paul & Prehistoric Pals
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