Quetzalcoatlus: Habitad, facts and extinction

Quetzalcoatlus: The Largest Pterosaur of the Cretaceous Period

Reading time : 1 minute, Discovery Chepe Id-543-ECO
Published in 11-27-2024

The Quetzalcoatlus, named after the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, was one of the largest flying animals that ever existed. This pterosaur, which lived during the Late Cretaceous, fascinated scientists and enthusiasts alike because of its size and unique adaptations.

Characteristics
* Wingspan: With a wingspan that could reach 40 feet (12 meters), Quetzalcoatlus was larger than a small airplane.
* Skull: Its skull was long and slender, with a toothless beak adapted for a specialized diet.
* Hollow Bones: Like other modern birds, Quetzalcoatlus had hollow bones, which reduced its weight and made it easier to fly.
* Wing Membrane: An extensive membrane extended from its front to back limbs, forming its wings.

How did such a large animal fly?
Quetzalcoatlus' flight ability has been the subject of much research. It is thought that it used its strong hind legs to propel itself into the air, and that its wings, combined with the winds, allowed it to glide long distances. Despite its name, which refers to the Aztec deity Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent, this giant pterosaur was not covered in feathers. Instead of feathers, Quetzalcoatlus' body was covered in a kind of short, fine hair called pycnofibers. These structures were similar to bird down, but simpler. The pycnofibers probably helped insulate the animal and provided some aerodynamics.

Extinction
Like many other dinosaurs, Quetzalcoatlus became extinct at the end of the Cretaceous, approximately 66 million years ago. Several theories have been proposed to explain their extinction, including asteroid impact and climate change.

See Also