Palaeobiology
Pterosaurs - current projects and future work
Working with teams in Karlsruhe, Berlin and elsewhere, the Portsmouth Palaeobiology Research Group are currently analysing the microstructure of pterosaur bones to determine the ways in which they have been strengthened for the rigours of powered flight, but at the same time made incredibly light. We are also describing and studying the systematics and evolution of several new pterosaur species from South America and the Isle of Wight.
We are hoping to develop our work in South America next year and will examine some of the ways in which pterosaurs may have fed while on the wing. With co-worker Dr David Unwin we will study the microstructure of the pterosaur flight membrane and testing its role in thermoregulation.