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Pteranodon

By Bob Strauss, About.com

Pteranodon (Wikimedia Commons)

Name:

Pteranodon (Greek for "toothless wing"); pronounced ter-ANN-oh-don

Habitat:

Shores of North America

Historical Period:

Late Cretaceous (85-75 million years ago)

Size and Weight:

Wingspan of 6 feet and 35 pounds

Diet:

Fish

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Large wingspan; crest on head; lack of teeth

About Pteranodon:

Despite what most people think, there's no single species of avian reptile called "pterodactyl;" this is a suborder that includes such creatures as Pteranodon, Quetzalcoatlus, and Pterodactylus (note that tell-all "us" on the end).

Still, if there's one primitive reptile that folks conflate with "pterodactyl," it's Pteranodon. This large pterosaur attained wingspans of up to six feet, and its other birdlike characteristics included (possibly) webbed feet and a toothless beak. Weirdly, its prominent, foot-long crest was actually part of its skull--and may have functioned as a combination rudder and mating display.

It's not certain exactly how Pteranodon moved through the air. Most paleontologists believe it was primarily a glider, though it's not inconceivable that it flapped its wings every now and then.

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