Pteranodon was a large pterosaur that soared through the skies during the Late Cretaceous period, around 85 to 70 million years ago. Though not a dinosaur, this flying reptile is one of the most iconic prehistoric creatures. With a wingspan of up to 20 feet (6 meters), it used its long, toothless beak and lightweight body to glide over oceans and hunt for fish. Males likely had large head crests for display or mating rituals, while females had smaller crests and were generally larger-bodied.
Fossils of Pteranodon have been found in what is now North America, especially in regions that were once covered by the Western Interior Seaway. Its aerodynamic design and advanced flight abilities made it one of the dominant aerial predators of its time.