Download or read book The Pterosauria written by David Martill and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2016-02-01 with total page 500 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Pterosaurs are the earliest vertebrates known to have evolved powered flight. This core reference work summarises state-of-the-art research on pterosaur taxonomy, phylogeny and evolutionary history, as well as recent advances in our understanding of pterosaur diversity and the distribution of these creatures. Compiled by a team of more than 20 experts from 8 different countries, this work provides the most extensive account yet written of pterosaur systematics. Highlights include detailed reviews of the geology and palaeontology of principal pterosaur localities; comprehensive accounts of pterosaur biogeography and preservation; detailed systematic reviews of the more than 130 species of pterosaur described so far; and the first detailed account of pterosaur evolution to include important new finds such as Darwinopterus. Illustrated with unique line drawings and photographs, The Pterosauria is a one-stop resource for academics, students of palaeontology, geology and biology, and amateur enthusiasts interested in these flying reptiles.