Pterosaurs were the first reptiles to develop powered flight. They lived for a long time, from the Late Triassic to the End of the Cretaceous (228-66 million years ago). Although they are sometimes referred to as flying dinosaurs, this is incorrect. Although they are closely related to dinosaurs, they are technically just outside of the group, so paleontologists refer to pterosaurs ad dinosaurs as sister groups. History: The first pterosaur was described a long time ago in 1784. Pterosaurs were first thought to be swimmers because the paleontologist who found it thought that its wings were paddles. Soon after, the famous French anatomist and paleontologist Georges Cuvier realized that the paddles were actually wings and that this was a flying creature. Characteristics: This Pterosaur toy accurately depicts the prehistoric reptile - Unlike birds, which have wings mostly made of feathers, the wings of pterosaurs are made of skin, more like a modern bat.