Pteranodon
Pronunciation: ter-AN-uh-don
Pteranodon longiceps
"long-headed, winged and toothless"
Pteranodon probably lived a lot like an albatross, soaring over oceans, feeding on fish and rarely coming to land. To take off from water, it pressed its wings and front limbs flat against the surface, pushed off with huge force, kicked its hind legs and flapped its massive wings until airborne.
Taking off from land was similar. It would spring up using all four legs and push off with its powerful arms, launching itself forward and upward enough to catch air by flapping.
Where found: North America
Geologic time frame: Late Cretaceous, 86 – 84 million years ago
Diet: carnivore
Habitat: oceans, coastal areas
Wingspan: 12 – 23 ft
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The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.
Plan your visit today!
The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.
