How did the first vertebrates take to the skies? In this episode, we venture into the Mesozoic to explore the world of pterosaurs—the remarkable flying reptiles that ruled the air for over 150 million years. Dr. Jeffrey Zurek is joined by Adele Pentland, a researcher and PhD candidate from Curtin University, to discuss her discovery and description of Haliskia peterseni.

We investigate research process in paleontology, including the complexities of zoological taxonomy. Adele shares the challenges of piecing together an animal from 100-million-year-old hollow bones and discusses the vital role of museum exhibits in bringing these to the public.

Highlights

• Pterosaurs: They aren't "flying dinosaurs" & how  ...