Pterosaurs
Diversity of life
Identifying flying reptiles from fragmentary remains
Pterosaurs are flying reptiles distinct from dinosaurs and birds. At Charente sites, very small specimens, particularly teeth, can reveal their presence.
The method in practice
Specialists compare tooth shapes and rare bones with better-known material from other sites. Identification may remain at family or broader group level. Complete animal reconstructions then illustrate anatomy rather than represent an entire skeleton found locally.
At Angeac and in regional comparisons
Pterosaurs are recorded at Charente sites, often through isolated remains. Chassiron and Cherves teeth and bones provide important regional comparisons. The Rhamphorhynchus reconstruction illustrates pterosaur anatomy.
What this research reveals
Teeth reveal part of the diversity and feeding strategies. Their shape alone cannot reconstruct an animal’s entire ecology. Sieving, sedimentary context and anatomical comparisons are needed to support interpretations.
Specimens and data
Pterosaur teeth discovered at Angeac
Differences in crown shape and slenderness distinguish several groups. The designation “indet.” indicates that identification does not reach a named species.
Enlarge each plate to examine labels, specimen identifiers and scale bars.
People and expertise
Romain Vullo studies pterosaur remains and anatomical comparisons. Collecting and sorting microremains are essential for finding these often inconspicuous fossils.
Further reading
Overview reference: Dinosaures, les géants du vignoble (2017), p. 228–235.
Publications and results → · The book and its authors →
