Dimorphodon macronyx

Dimorphodon was a small but distinctive pterosaur that lived during the Early Jurassic period, around 200 million years ago, in what is now Europe, particularly the United Kingdom. Known for its unusual and varied features, Dimorphodon had a wingspan of approximately 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.5 feet) and was one of the earliest pterosaurs to evolve into a specialized flying form. The name Dimorphodon translates to "two-shaped tooth," referring to the striking difference in the shape of its teeth: it had sharp, pointed teeth at the front of its mouth for catching fish and other prey, while the back of its jaw contained flatter teeth that may have been better suited for grinding or gripping. This suggests that Dimorphodon was a versatile feeder, possibly eating a wide range of food from small fish to other small vertebrates or invertebrates.

What made Dimorphodon particularly unique among early pterosaurs was its body structure. It had a relatively large, robust head compared to its body, and a long, stiff neck, which likely helped it catch prey while in flight. Its wings, although large, were relatively short in comparison to later pterosaurs, and its overall flight style may have been more gliding than active flapping, similar to that of some modern birds. The pterosaur's hind limbs were also adapted for grasping, suggesting it might have spent time perched on rocks or trees. The fossils of Dimorphodon provide important insights into the early evolution of flight in pterosaurs and highlight the diversity of feeding strategies and ecological niches that these ancient flying reptiles occupied in the Mesozoic skies.