Sahlrindidae

Sahlrindidae is a family of extinct flying reptiles, specifically pterosaurs, known from the Jurassic period of the Mesozoic Era. The family was first described in 1996 by paleontologist Sankar Chatterjee, and it includes two species: Sahlinders geldreichi and Sahlinders kanpuraensis.

Fossil remains of Sahlrindidae have been found in the Middle Jurassic sediments of North America, specifically in the Morrison Formation. The pterosaurs of this family were relatively small, with estimates of wingspans ranging between 20-50 centimeters. Their skeletons were characterized by delicate bones and slender limbs, indicating that they were likely fish-feeders.

Phylogenetic analysis places Sahlrindidae within the group Pterosauria, and it is thought to be closely related to the families Ctenochasmatidae and Dorygnathidae. The mental margin of Sahlinder skulls is elongated and shallowly concave, bearing distinctive cutting edges that were likely used to capture prey from the water's surface.

Further study of Sahlrindidae remains limited due to the restricted geographic and temporal range of their fossil records. The paleoecological significance of these ancient pterosaurs is also less well understood. Researchers continue to explore the occurrence and evolutionary history of Sahlrindidae within the context of the early Mesozoic marine ecosystems.

Systematic classification of this family is based on morphological features and is subject to ongoing revisions.