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Pteranodon |
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PteranodonGenus of extinct flying reptiles, descendants of the pterodactyl. Fossils are known from Late Cretaceous (99–65 million years ago) deposits of Europe, Asia, and North America. Pteranodon had a wingspan of 23 ft (7 m) or more. The largest specimen had a wingspan of 50 ft (15.5 m). The body was about the size of a modern turkey. Pteranodon had a crest at the back of the skull and long, pelicanlike, toothless jaws. They probably made nests and spent much time gliding over the ocean searching for fish. They probably depended on air currents for liftoff rather than on flapping their wings. Pteranodon a genus of giant extinct reptiles of the order Pterodactyloidei of the superorder Pterosauria. Pteranodon lived in the Cretaceous period. The wingspread reached 7.5 m. The huge head, measuring approximately 1 m, ended anteriorly with a powerful, pointed, toothless bill; posteriorly, the head ended with a long and massive occipital crest that possibly served as a counterweight. Pteranodon inhabited the shores of seas, feeding on fish caught on the fly from the water. Several species have been described from Upper Cretaceous deposits in North America. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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