Description
Pteranodon Toy
Pteranodon was a large pterosaur from the Late Cretaceous Period, around 85 million years ago. Despite often being grouped with dinosaurs, pterosaurs were a separate but related group of flying reptiles. While they did not have feathers like birds and some dinosaurs, some pterosaurs were covered in hair-like structures called “pycnofibers”.
- Scientific Name: Pteranodon (“Toothless Wing”) longiceps
- Characteristics: Though pterosaurs flew, this Pteranodon figure is posed at rest on the ground, showing off its large and dynamic crest. It was long debated whether pterosaurs walked using two legs or four, until pterosaur tracks were discovered indicating a four-legged walk.
- Size and Color: This at-rest Pteranodon figure is about 3 ½ inches high and 4 inches in length, about the size of a muffin (though much less tasty…don’t eat it). Its body is brown above and cream colored below, with black claws on its hands and feet. Its bill is orange with a red tip, and its crest is a vibrant orange with black markings.
- The Pteranodon is part of the Wild Safari® Prehistoric World collection
- All of our products are Non-toxic and BPA free
History:
Pteranodon was the first pterosaur discovery in the United States, and the first pterosaur to be found in any location other than Europe. Othniel Charles Marsh made the discovery in 1870. Prior to Pteranodon’s discovery, all pterosaurs known to science had teeth.
Pteranodon’s distinctive crest actually varied greatly in size among the known specimens, leading scientists to believe that it likely was used for display, rather than any practical function. It was once believed that the crest served as a rudder during flight, since larger examples of the crest were pointed and blade-like. However, others were much smaller, and may represent a difference between old and young Pteranodons, or males and females. A similar related species (known as Pteranodon sternbergi or Geosternbergia) features a much more flattened crest than P. longiceps.
- Recommended Age: 3+
- Size in cm: 11 L x 7 W x 8.3 H
- Size in inches: 4.33 L x 2.76 W x 3.27 H
