Coelurosauravus

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Coelurosauravus Fossil range: Permian
Conservation status
Extinct (fossil)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Sauropsida Subclass: Diapsida (unranked) Avicephala Family: Coelurosauravidae Genus: Coelurosauravus Frey et al., 1997
Species
C. jaekeli (type) C. elivensis

Coelurosauravus was a genus of primitive diapsid reptile, with specialized wing-like structures allowing it to glide. These were rod like structures with skin stretched over them; this features is unique to this genus. The average length of the specimens were 60 cm and the body was long and flat, suitable for its gliding nature. The skull was lizard-like with a pointed snout and contained a broad back with a serrated crest, like Ceratopsians. It lived during the Permian period in what is now Germany.

[edit] References

• D.Lambert, D.Naish and E.Wyse 2001, Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life, p.77, Dorling Kindersley Limited, London. ISBN 0-7513-0955-9
• Eberhard Frey, Hans-Dieter Sues, Wolfgang Munk (1997). Gliding Mechanism in the Late Permian Reptile Coelurosauravus. Science Vol. 275. no. 5305, pp. 1450 - 1452 DOI: 10.1126/science.275.5305.1450