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[Pterraforming] Pteranosimian Types

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Hey look! Actual content! 

Anyways, Now that I finally got everything fixed and set back up, I can finally start submitting again! And to top it off, I thought I'd submit my pteranosimian type chart as a part of my Pterraforming project. Now, there are actually six groups of "higher" pteranosimians (Monkey, hominid, ape, raptor, sea, and humming), but I've only shown four here. The pteranosimians are basically the replacement "pterodactyloids", which have gone extinct. They also fill the niche of the mammalian primates, and unlike the pterodactyloids are highly intelligent and adaptable. While most are about a foot or two long, they can range in size from the robin sized lesser hummerdon (Trochilimimus minor) to the ten foot tall Homopteranus unlikelus, to the 400 lb 11 foot Himalayan gorrilladon (Gorrilladactylus yeti). All are fully viviparious, walk on their wings bipedally, and have fully grasping hand like feet. They are the only Pterosaurs with grasping limbs, any other pterosaur portrayed this way is inaccurate. No rhamphorhyncoid or pterodctyloid pterosaur ever had grasping appendages.

On the left are various crest shapes, most aren't actually attributed to anything as of yet. The topmost is Pteranodon longiceps, the control. Most shapes are formed from changes of the curve of the crest, and moving the knob at the base to different positions. The longest crest belongs to Homopteranus unlikelus, the dominate pteranosimian. The crest with the knobs next to it belongs to an older individual.

The other rows showcase four of the six groups of higher pteranosimians. The main differences are shown, although there is quite a bit of variation (especially with the "monkey" pteranosimians).

"Monkey" pteranosimians are relatively small, and are built for life in the trees, like mammalian monkeys. They behave like a mix of monkey, parrot, and toucan, and have highly complex social structures. While they can fly, they mostly get around by leaping though the trees. The metacarpals are fused into a "reverse" tarsometatarus, forming a locking mechanism. While they do not possess a prehensile tail as most monkeys do, the pygostyle is hooked to make up for it. The wings are short and rounded, so if they need to fly they can more easily maneuver through the trees. Unlike mammalian primates, "Monkey" pteranosimians are very cold tolerant, and can be found much farther north than most primates. They are found worldwide, even in Australia and Antarctica.

"Hominid" pteranosimians are closely related to the "monkey" Pteranosimians, but are larger, more upright, have longer wings, and are considerably more intelligent. Despite there only being three extant species, they are the most numerous of all the pteranosimians thanks to H. unlikelus' worldwide range. While the wings are long and narrow, the wing finger is "prehensile" and can bend independently ant each joint. No other pteranosimian group has this. Like the "monkey" pteranosimians, "hominid" pteranosimians live in the trees. All three species originate from North America. All three are omnivorous and have highly varied diets.

"Ape" pteranosimians are a different story. Big, bulky, and aggressive, these omnivorous pteranosimians sacrifice flight for power. Unlike the relation between mammalian apes and hominids, "ape" and "hominid" pteranosimians are unrelated. "Ape" pteranosimians are restricted to the old world and live in forested and mountainous areas on the ground. While they have the ability to glide for short distances, they mostly get around by running. The hands are specially adapted for ground movement, and cannot grasp at all. Almost all live in family groups of a single or pair of males guarding a harem of females, which is unusual for pteranosimians. "Ape" pteranosimians, while omnivorous, have a preference of meat, and will work together to bring down large game to eat, including their predators.

"Raptor" pteranosimians are exactly what they sound like. They are large, predatory pteranosimians that scour the skies for prey. They are actually closely related to the "ape" pteranosimians, and share many characteristics with them. Many of them have a ridge of pycnofibrils over the edge of the wings to help silence their flight, making them even more deadly. The beak is interesting in that it resembles the heavy bill of the terror birds, extinct flightless birds that are present in our realm but not theirs. The "raptor" pteranosimians are unique as they can actually stand on their legs for short periods of time, which they use to balance themselves atop their prey while crushing them and eating them alive. Unlike birds of prey, "raptor" pteranosimians are extremely intelligent, and can wield complex hunting strategies if they need too. For the most part, they prefer to hunt the "classic" way; striking from above and grabbing with their sharp claws and beak.

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So yeah, this is partially what I've been up to. More to come. And remember, criticism is highly welcome here! If you see any inaccuracies, problems with the science, mechanics, anatomy, anything like that, I would love for you to correct me!
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