There is still so much we don’t know about dinosaurs, including the differences between a Pterodactyl and Pteranodon. These two creatures may belong to the same genus of dinosaurs, but there are many differences between them. If you have always wanted to learn more about Pterodactyls and Pteranodons, you’re in the right place.
While the answer may surprise you, a key difference between a Pterodactyl and a Pteranodon is Pterodactyls are much smaller than Pteranodons. They are both winged creatures, but Pterodactyls often walk on land with the help of their hands. Pterodactyls also differ from Pteranodons in that their heads are soft, while Pteranodons have hard heads with large crests atop them
Pterodactyl and Pteranodon are two genera of Pterosaur. Pterosaur includes flying reptiles of the extinct clade Pterosauria. They existed in the Mesozoic era, most probably from the late Triassic to the end of the Cretaceous periods, approximately 228 to 66 million years ago.
Pterosaurs were capable of aerial locomotion by powered flight. Their wings were made by the membrane of skin, muscles, and other tissues. Pterosaurs are often referred to as “flying dinosaurs” by popular media though they are not dinosaurs. Furthermore, Pterosaurs had different lifestyles. Most of them were fish eaters, and they reproduced through eggs.
What Is The Difference In The Appearance Of Pterodactyl And Pteranodon?
While both creatures are members of the same genus, there are key physical differences between them, likely caused by centuries of evolution and adaptation. The primary physical difference between these two creatures is the presence of teeth, but we’ll talk more on that later.
Pterodactyls are much smaller than Pteranodons. They are both winged creatures, but Pterodactyls often walk on land with the help of their hands. Pterodactyls also differ from Pteranodons in that their heads are soft, while Pteranodons have hard heads with large crests atop them.
There are also size differences between the genders of each creature. While Pterodactyls remained a similar size regardless of their gender, Pteranodon males were much larger than females. Female Pteranodons had much wider hips compared to males, likely due to the fact that they laid eggs.
Difference In The Presence Of Teeth
While the answer may surprise you, a key difference between a Pterodactyl vs Pteranodon is whether or not they have teeth. These two creatures are separated by this fact. Pterodactyls have teeth, while Pteranodons don’t- their beak is more curved and resembles a beak closer to a modern-day pelican.
Pterodactyls have narrow beaks and skulls with nearly 90 teeth, which is a key difference from Pteranodons. While these two flying dinosaurs may seem similar and belong to the same genus, they are separated by the presence of teeth alone.