What is pteranodontinae?

Pteranodontinae is a subfamily of Pterosauria (flying reptiles) that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, about 90-70 million years ago. They were named after the genus Pteranodon, which is the most famous member of this group.

Pteranodontinae had long, toothless beaks and large cranial crests, which were probably used to attract mates or regulate body temperature. They had wingspans of up to 30 feet, making them some of the largest flying animals ever known.

Their bodies were lightweight and adapted for flying, with hollow bones and air sacs that allowed them to be more buoyant. Their wings were made up of a thin membrane of skin stretched over elongated fourth fingers, which formed the primary flight surface.

Pteranodontinae were likely fish-eaters, as their skulls had long, slender jaws that were ideal for catching fish in open water. They likely roamed the coasts and shallow seas of western North America, where they would have had access to plenty of food.

Today, pteranodontinae are known only from fossils, which have been found in various parts of North America, including Kansas, Oklahoma, and South Dakota. They remain one of the most fascinating and iconic groups of prehistoric creatures, representing an important chapter in the history of life on Earth.