Flash dinosaurs outdo peacocks

New research into pterosaurs and pelycosaurs has shown their elaborate headcrests and sails were developed for the purpose of sexual selection.

Until now, many thought these appendages regulated body temperature or, they helped them steer while they were flying.

Now a team from the universities of Hull, Portsmouth and Western Australia have found that prehistoric pterosaurs evolved headcrests to help them attract the best mates or to oust sexual competitors.