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Name: Pteranodon
Pronunciation: TAIR-ann-OH-dawn Translation: Wing with no Teeth Diet: Carnivore Wingspan: 30 feet (9 meters) Height: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) Weight: 35 pounds (15.8 kilograms) Location: Central and Eastern United States Time: Late Cretaceous (86–83 Million Years Ago) |
Though commonly mistaken for one, Pteranodon was not a dinosaur; rather a member of the group of now extinct flying reptiles known as pterosaurs. In fact, there are a vast number of popular misconceptions regarding Pteranodon. For example, these creatures are often depicted with rows of sharp, needle-like teeth; though even their name refers to the fact that their long beaks were completely toothless. Pteranodon is also commonly shown using powerful talons to pick up a helpless victim and carry it off, like a giant bird of prey. However, in reality Pteranodon’s feet were only suited for walking, and could not grasp even small animals.
Despite being one of the largest pterosaurs, Pteranodon’s diet was almost exclusively fish. It is thought by some scientists that Pteranodon would have dipped its long beak in the water while flying, skimming along the surface until a fish ended up in its jaws. Other scientists claim Pteranodon would dive underwater and briefly swim to catch food, similar to modern gannets. The diving theory is supported by evidence of pterosaur bones in the stomachs of prehistoric sharks and marine reptiles, suggesting that the pterosaurs were sometimes preyed upon when they entered the water to feed. However, it is also possible that the marine predators would jump out of the water to catch flying pterosaurs, similar to the breaching behavior seen in modern sharks
Probably the most prominent and distinguishing feature of Pteranodon is the large crest atop its head. This crest was actually only present in male Pteranodon, and was thought to be used in mating displays. Some scientists even believe each male possessed a crest with his own unique colors and patterns, allowing other members of the species to distinguish each individual Pteranodon from each other.
Despite being one of the largest pterosaurs, Pteranodon’s diet was almost exclusively fish. It is thought by some scientists that Pteranodon would have dipped its long beak in the water while flying, skimming along the surface until a fish ended up in its jaws. Other scientists claim Pteranodon would dive underwater and briefly swim to catch food, similar to modern gannets. The diving theory is supported by evidence of pterosaur bones in the stomachs of prehistoric sharks and marine reptiles, suggesting that the pterosaurs were sometimes preyed upon when they entered the water to feed. However, it is also possible that the marine predators would jump out of the water to catch flying pterosaurs, similar to the breaching behavior seen in modern sharks
Probably the most prominent and distinguishing feature of Pteranodon is the large crest atop its head. This crest was actually only present in male Pteranodon, and was thought to be used in mating displays. Some scientists even believe each male possessed a crest with his own unique colors and patterns, allowing other members of the species to distinguish each individual Pteranodon from each other.