Fun Dimorphodon Facts For Kids

The term Dimorphodon has been derived from Greek words such as 'di', 'morphe', and 'odon' which mean 'two', 'shape', and 'tooth', respectively. When combined, the term means 'two form tooth' as the Pterosaur has two distinct types of teeth in its jaws. It was a genus of medium-sized Pterosaur that belonged to the early Jurassic period which spanned from 201.3 to 174.1 million years ago (mya).

While talking about the history of discovery, the first fossil remains were found at Lyme Regis, England, in 1828. The region is now regarded as a World Heritage Site. The Dimorphodon macronyx is considered as the type species, while the other species is the Dimorphodon weintraubi.

The body structure displayed several primitive features: it had a small brainpan and short wings. The skull was quite large and bulky with an average length of around 9 in (23 cm). The neck was strong but short and studies suggest it must have had a membranous pouch. The average body length was around 3.3-8 ft (1-2.3 m) with a wingspan of 4.6 ft (1.4 m). The tail was quite long which consisted of around 30 vertebrae.

The Dimorphodon mainly inhabited coastal regions and preyed on insects. It was also said that they were piscivores (fish eaters) but the notion was rejected later. They were ground-dwellers. Pointed front teeth suggested that they were insectivores and sometimes also preyed on small vertebrates and carrion.

Let's read more fun facts about the Dimorphodon, and if you find this article interesting, don't forget to check out exciting facts about different dinosaurs such as the Peloneustes and Batrachognathus.

Was the Dimorphodon a dinosaur?

The Dimorphodon was a flying Pterosaur that belonged to the early Jurassic period, but unlike many flying dinosaurs such as the Pteranodon, the reptile must have been a poor flyer as wings were relatively shorter than the body.

How do you pronounce 'Dimorphodon'?

The pronunciation of the term is relatively easy if you divide the term into a few syllables like 'dimor-pho-don.'

What type of prehistoric flying bird was a Dimorphodon?

These were Pterosaurs or flying reptiles. They belonged to the family of Dimorphodontidae and the genus of Dimorphodon. They were warm-blooded, unlike modern reptiles, and their diet mainly included insects. The Dimorphodon macronyx is considered the type species, while the other species is the Dimorphodon weintraubi.

In which geological period did the Dimorphodon live?

These medium-sized Pterosaurs belonged to the early Jurassic period which spanned from 201.3 to 174.1 million years ago (mya). Fossil remains were found in England.

When did the Dimorphodon become extinct?

It became extinct during the Hettangian-Sinemurian period, somewhere between 199-190 million years ago. The reason for extinction is not clear as of now but dinosaurs became extinct due to several reasons such as climate change, volcanic eruption, asteroid impact, and drought.

Where did a Dimorphodon live?

Remains of these Pterosaurs were found at Lyme Regis, England which is now considered a World Heritage Site. It is also said that different parts of Europe and Central America must have been a part of their range.

What was a Dimorphodon's habitat?

Studies reveal that the animal inhabited coastal areas, hence, they must have been found at shores of Europe and Central America.

Who did a Dimorphodon live with?

Very little information about the social behavior is available as of now. Males and females may have formed pairs during the breeding season.

How long did the Dimorphodon live?

The life span of these extinct animal is not known as of now.

How did they reproduce?

These Pterosaurs reproduced by laying eggs and their mating patterns were similar to that of modern-day reptiles and birds. Like modern-day animals, these creatures used to perform courtship displays to attract potential partners and it is also scientifically proven that males used to fight over females.

What did a Dimorphodon look like?

The Dimorphodon had relatively short wings and the phalanx of the flight finger was a bit longer than its lower arm. The neck was strong but short and studies suggest it must have had a membranous pouch. It was a poor flyer and unable to fly for long distances, unlike the Pteranodon dinosaur. Some studies also reveal that the Dimorphodon was a quadruped. An English paleontologist, Richard Owen, discovered a membrane between the tail and leg. The Dimorphodon generally spent more time on the ground and was quite awkward with its movements.

How many bones did a Dimorphodon have?

No information regarding the exact number of bones is available but fossil remains consisted of a large skull that was around 9 in (23 cm) long. Unlike other reptiles, it had distinct types of teeth in its jaws.

How did they communicate?

This flying reptile used methods similar to that of modern-day reptiles to communicate. They must have performed courtship displays during the breeding season to attract potential partners.

How big was the Dimorphodon?

While talking about the Dimorphodon size, the average body length of the Pterosaur was around 3.3-8 ft (1-2.3 m) with a wingspan of 4.6 ft (1.4 m). The height is not known as of now.

How fast could a Dimorphodon move?

The exact speed of the Dimorphodon is not known, but studies reveal that it was a poor flyer and was unable to fly for long distances. The bone of the flight finger was a bit longer than its lower arm.

How much did a Dimorphodon weigh?

The weight of these extinct animals was around 4 lb (2 kg).

What were the male and female names of the species?

No specific names have been given to males and females of this species; people generally call them Dimorphodons.

What would you call a baby Dimorphodon?

The babies are known as hatchlings, like modern-day reptiles.

What did they eat?

While talking about their diet, they were insectivores but occasionally fed on small vertebrates and carrion. Front teeth helped to grab prey easily. Formerly, it was said that they were piscivores (fish eaters).

How aggressive were they?

Dinosaurs, in general, were not aggressive and didn't get violent for no reason. However, while dealing with intruders, they must have turn territorial and aggressive.

Did you know...

Similar to bats, these Pterosaurs developed a wing surface formed by a membrane of skin.

Why are they called Dimorphodon?

The term Dimorphodon has been derived from Greek words such as 'di', 'morphe', and 'odon' which means 'two', 'shape', and 'tooth', respectively. When combined, the term means 'two form tooth' as the dinosaur has two distinct types of teeth in its jaws.

Did the Dimorphodon hunt in packs?

Like modern birds of prey, it can be said that they must have hunted in groups. They spent more time on the ground.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly prehistoric animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other creatures from our Darwinopterus fun facts, or Tropeognathus facts for kids.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Dimorphodon coloring pages.

Main image: Mark P. Witton

Second image: MCDinosaurhunter