The Pteranodon was a descendant of the Pterodactyl. It was a flying reptile. Its name, Pteranodon, means wing without tooth. It lived during the Cretaceous period in North America.Although toothless, it is believed the Pteranodon was a carnivore and ate such prey as fish, crabs,
mollusks and insects. It may have hunted animals by gliding over the surface of the ocean and snatching prey like a modern-day pelican.Though no one knows for sure, it is believed the Pteranodon was capable of flying long distances, possibly depending on air currents like the present-day Condor. Its wings, though huge, were light weight; it probably had a semi-upright stance. Its wingspan was 23 feet, longer than any known bird.
Unlike a bird it did not have feathers, but a leathery membrane that covered its body, legs and its elongated fourth fingers. The other fingers were equipped with protruded claws. Some Pteranodons had a large, long crest at the back of the head. Its use is unknown but may have been a type of rudder used when flying. Or like some birds, it may have had a seasonal breeding characteristic.
The first fossil of Pteranodon was found in Kansas in 1876. Other fossils have since been found in the USA (Kansas) and in England.
Brachiosaurus | Brontosaurus | Cryptoclidus | Diplodocus | Ornithomimus | Pachycephalosaur | Parasaurolophus | Pteranodon | Pterodactyl | Stegosaurus | Styracosaurus | Triceratops | Tyrannosaurus Rex | Utahraptor | Velociraptor Leapin' Lizards | Chameleons | Dinosaurs | Flying Dragon | Frilled Lizard | Komodo Dragon |
