Pterosaurs & Sea Reptiles: Not Dinosaurs, Still Fascinating
Important to know first: pterosaurs and sea reptiles are not dinosaurs. They lived at the same time as the dinosaurs but belong to their own reptile groups. That is a great aha moment for kids who already know all the dinosaur names. So Pteranodon, Quetzalcoatlus, Plesiosaurus, and Mosasaurus are prehistoric animals, but they are not dinosaurs.
In the sky you will find Pteranodon (also in its nest), Quetzalcoatlus, one of the largest flying reptiles known, little Dimorphodon, and the Pterodactyl friends. Scenes include "Pterosaur Catches a Fish," "Pterosaur Landing," and "Pterosaur over the Volcano." Their wings were made of skin stretched by one hugely long finger. Archaeopteryx has a special place: it is considered an early bird with feathers, but also with teeth and a long tail.
In the water you will meet Mosasaurus, Plesiosaurus (also as a mom with her baby), long-necked Elasmosaurus, dolphin-like Ichthyosaurus, and Liopleurodon, plus a page with sea reptiles and fish. These animals were marine reptiles that had to surface to breathe. Mosasaurus, by the way, was more closely related to monitor lizards than to dinosaurs.
ðĻ Color Tips: Flying & Sea Reptiles
| Area | Color | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Wings and skin | Orange, pink, tan | The thin wing skin looks light in warm tones and can be shaded nicely. |
| Sea reptile bodies | Blue, teal, green, gray | Water colors help the animals blend in and look right in the sea. |
| Water | Light to dark blue gradient | A gradient from light to dark adds depth and practices even coloring. |
| Sky and volcano | Light blue, orange, red | Warm volcano colors contrast strongly with the cool sky. |