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Pterosaurs and the fast rise of flight — Level A1 — A golden pheasant with a long tail stands against black.

Pterosaurs and the fast rise of flightCEFR A1

8 Dec 2025

Adapted from Johns Hopkins University, Futurity CC BY 4.0

Photo by Fresno De los Rios, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
2 min
73 words
  • Pterosaurs were flying reptiles that lived long ago.
  • They used large wings to move through air.
  • Scientists studied pterosaur skulls and their brain cavities.
  • Researchers looked for parts linked to better vision.
  • A close tree relative could not fly like pterosaurs.
  • That relative already had parts for better vision.
  • Pterosaurs also had larger parts for seeing well.
  • Scientists think flight appeared quickly when pterosaurs began.
  • Pterosaurs had brains similar to non-flying dinosaurs.

Difficult words

  • pterosaurAn animal that flew a long time ago
    Pterosaurs
  • reptileA cold-blooded animal, like a lizard
    reptiles
  • skullThe bone structure that holds the brain
    skulls
  • cavityAn empty space inside a bone or body
    cavities
  • visionThe ability to see with the eyes
  • relativeAn animal in the same family or group
  • flightThe act of moving through the air

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Would you like to fly like a pterosaur?
  • Do you think good vision is important for flying animals?
  • Have you seen a flying animal in nature?

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