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University of Wyoming

PTERANODON

Geologic Time: 66 to 75 million years ago (Late Cretaceous)

Geographic Range: Throughout North America and Europe

Adult Size: Up to 23 ft (8.5 m) wingspan

Habitat: Ocean and Sea shorelines

Diet: Fish
 

Characteristics: Pteranodon is one of many different kinds of pterosaurs that lived in the late Cretaceous. Pterosaurs are a group of flying reptiles, distantly related to the dinosaurs. The poster on the right shows some of the different pterosaur species.

Pteranodon had one of the longest wing spans known among the pterosaurs. It probably spent most of its time gliding along the shorelines searching for prey. Its short body and large wing span enabled it to move with great speed and skill. Its skull was long and -- unlike many other pterosaurs -- the jaws had no teeth. Pteranodon likely scooped up fish and swallowed them whole, much like modern pelicans do.

Some species of Pteranodon had a long crest extending from the back of the skull. The species displayed above has only a slight crest. Its function may be aerodynamic or as ornamentation used in mating displays.

This specimen on display at the Geologiial Museum was collected from the Pierre Shale.

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