Ornithocheirus
Ornithocheirus simus soared over ancient seas, its vast wingspan and sleek beak making it a masterful fisher. This Cretaceous giant played a crucial role in its coastal ecosystem, showcasing the marvel of prehistoric aviation.
Length: 3.048 m; Height: 1.2192 m
Size
Characteristics
Ornithocheirus simus, a pterosaur from the Cretaceous period, was notable for its impressive wingspan of up to 10 meters. It inhabited coastal environments, feeding primarily on fish. Its distinctive feature was a long, slender beak, likely used to skim the water's surface while flying.
Distribution Range of the Ornithocheirus
Ornithocheirus simus, a species of pterosaur, is primarily known from fossil records found in Europe, particularly in the Cambridge Greensand of England. Fossil evidence also suggests its presence in South America, specifically in the Santana Formation of Brazil.
Ornithocheirus's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
During the time of Ornithocheirus simus, approximately 110 to 100 million years ago in the Early Cretaceous period, the regions where it lived were characterized by warm, tropical climates with abundant coastlines and marine environments. These areas were likely lush with vegetation, supporting a variety of marine and terrestrial life.
Ecological Niche
Ornithocheirus simus was adapted to a coastal and marine lifestyle, likely spending much of its time gliding over oceans and seas in search of food. Its ecological niche was that of a piscivore, feeding primarily on fish, which it would have caught while flying over water. The structure of its wings suggests it was well-suited for long-distance travel, possibly covering vast stretches of ocean.
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