Pterodactyls, also known as pterosaurs, were a group of flying reptiles that lived around 66 million years ago during the Mesozoic Era. Despite popular belief, they were not dinosaurs but a separate group of animals. Pterodactyls had some unique adaptations for flying. They had wings made of skin called membranes that stretched from their elongated fourth finger to the sides of their body. This allowed them to glide through the air, similar to bats. Some pterodactyls had a wingspan of over 30 feet!

Pterodactyls had long, pointed beaks which they used to catch fish and other small prey. They had sharp teeth for gripping and tearing their food. Some species of pterodactyls even had elaborate head crests, which could have played a role in communication, courtship displays, or regulating body temperature.

The extinction of pterodactyls and other pterosaurs occurred around the same time as the mass extinction event that wiped out the non-avian dinosaurs. The exact cause of their extinction is still debated among scientists, but it is likely a combination of factors such as climate change, habitat loss, and competition from other flying animals.