Pteranodon Description
A Pteranodon was a large, toothless flying reptile (pterosaur) from the Late Cretaceous period, known for its impressive wingspan. It had a long, pointed beak, a furry body, and a distinctive bony crest on its head that may have been used for display. Living during the time of the dinosaurs, it was a carnivore that likely ate fish and was capable of dynamic soaring, similar to modern-day albatrosses.
Could You Outrun a Pteranodon?
The walking speeds of a Pteranodon are undocumented yet known to by considerably slow compared to its high speeds in the air. When flying straight or up, a Pteranodon could reach speeds of 35 mph, but while diving it could achieve a max speed of 55 mph. This made it extremely capable of capturing its prey consisting of fish, crustaceans, and small marine species even with the extremely low bite force of 20 newtons.
Are You Bigger Than a Pteranodon?
Pteranodon had a body length of 8 feet and was 6 feet tall. It weighed an average of 110 pounds and had an extremely formidable wingspan of 33 feet. With its weight being very light relative to the wingspan of Pteranodon it made for an incredible flyer. Even if it could not rival the speeds of a cheetah or a peregrine falcon, it could maintain its moderately high speeds for hours making it not only very quick and agile but super reliable in flight.
Fun Facts
- Pteranodon is thought to be capable of swimming
- Pteranodon means toothless wing
- Pteranodon had a hollow-boned, light weight body
- Pteranodon expressed extreme sexual dimorphism with the males being extremely larger than the females
- Pteranodon had very large eyes and great sight, making it and even better predator of the skies
- Pteranodon was discovered by Othniel Charles Marsh during the “Bone Wars” in 1870
Dino-mite Equations!
Question #1: What is the combined diving speed of 7 Pteranodons?
Answer #1
385 mph!
Question #2: Are 5 Pteranodons heavier than 2 lions both with a weight of 300 pounds?
Answer #2
No, with the Pteranodons at 550 pounds and the lions at 600 pounds!
Question #3: What would the wingspan of a female Pteranodon be if it is 1/2 of a male’s wingspan?
Answer #3
16.5 feet!
VelociLogic 