Dimorphodon was first discovered and described by British paleontologist Richard Owen in 1859. Its name, which means "two-form tooth," refers to the distinctive difference in tooth shape between its upper and lower jaws. This pterosaur is classified within the family Dimorphodontidae, a group of small to medium-sized pterosaurs.

Dimorphodon was a medium-sized pterosaur, with an estimated wingspan of about 3.3 to 4.6 feet (1 to 1.4 meters). Its long, slender wings were supported by a robust finger structure, enabling it to take to the air with remarkable agility. Its body was covered in a layer of pycnofibers, a type of fuzzy integument similar to modern bird feathers.

One of the most notable features of Dimorphodon was its large head, which made up a significant portion of its overall body length. It had a pointed snout with sharp teeth in its upper jaw and larger, more robust teeth in its lower jaw. This dental dimorphism likely played a role in its feeding habits and diet.

Dimorphodon was an expert flyer, taking advantage of its lightweight body and powerful wing muscles to soar through the Jurassic skies in search of food. Its long wings allowed it to glide effortlessly, while its robust finger structure and muscles provided the necessary power for active flapping flight.

In terms of diet, Dimorphodon was likely piscivorous, meaning it primarily fed on fish. The sharp, slender teeth in its upper jaw were well-suited for catching slippery prey, while the larger teeth in its lower jaw would have helped in grasping and holding onto its catch. Some researchers also suggest that Dimorphodon may have supplemented its diet with insects and other small animals.

As with many pterosaurs, Dimorphodon likely had a complex social structure. Fossil evidence of juvenile and adult individuals found together suggests that they may have lived in family groups or colonies. This social behavior could have provided protection from predators, enhanced foraging efficiency, and facilitated breeding and rearing of young.