Pterodactyls and Quetzalcoatlus were two of the largest flying creatures to ever exist. Both belonged to a group of extinct flying reptiles called pterosaurs. Pterodactyls lived during the late Jurassic period, while Quetzalcoatlus lived during the late Cretaceous period, meaning Quetzalcoatlus emerged around 68 million years after pterodactyls.
Key Differences
While both pterodactyls and Quetzalcoatlus were gigantic flying creatures, there were some key differences between them:
When They Lived
– Pterodactyls lived during the late Jurassic period, around 150-148 million years ago.
– Quetzalcoatlus lived during the late Cretaceous period, around 68-66 million years ago.
Where They Lived
– Pterodactyls lived in what is now Europe.
– Quetzalcoatlus lived in North America.
Species
– Pterodactylus is a genus of pterodactyls. There were many different species within this genus.
– Quetzalcoatlus northropi is the largest known species of the Quetzalcoatlus genus.
Pterodactyl Size
Pterodactyls were extinct flying reptiles that lived during the Jurassic period. They belonged to an order known as pterosaurs, which includes the earliest known flying vertebrates.
Wingspan
The average wingspan of a pterodactyl is estimated to have been about 3-3.5 meters (9.8-11.5 feet). However, some species may have had wingspans up to 5-6 meters (16-20 feet). The largest known pterodactyl species was Pterodactylus antiquus, with an estimated wingspan of over 5 meters.
Weight
Pterodactyls were relatively lightweight creatures with hollow, thin-walled bones. Even large species are estimated to have weighed only around 15-25 kg (33-55 lb) at most. The small size and weight allowed them to fly effectively.
Height
When standing upright, pterodactyls were rather small. Even a large Pterodactylus antiquus is estimated to have stood only about 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) tall.
Quetzalcoatlus Size
Quetzalcoatlus was the largest known flying animal to ever exist. It lived during the late Cretaceous period in what is now North America.
Wingspan
The largest known species of Quetzalcoatlus was Q. northropi, which had an estimated wingspan of 10-11 meters (32.8-36 feet). This absolutely enormous wingspan is greater than that of a small airplane!
Weight
Q. northropi likely weighed around 200-250 kg (440-550 lb). While massive compared to other flying creatures, this is relatively light given the gigantic wingspan. The paper-thin bones and lightweight design were key in making flight possible.
Height
When standing on the ground with its wing membranes folded, Q. northropi could have reached heights of over 5 meters (16 feet). That’s taller than a giraffe!
Size Comparison
To summarize the size differences:
Wingspan
– Pterodactyl: 3-6 meters
– Quetzalcoatlus: 10-11 meters
Quetzalcoatlus had a significantly larger wingspan, at over double that of the largest pterodactyl species.
Weight
– Pterodactyl: 15-25 kg
– Quetzalcoatlus: 200-250 kg
Quetzalcoatlus weighed nearly 10 times as much as a pterodactyl.
Height
– Pterodactyl: 1.5 meters tall
– Quetzalcoatlus: over 5 meters tall
Quetzalcoatlus stood over 3 times taller than a pterodactyl when on the ground.
Animal | Wingspan | Weight | Height |
---|---|---|---|
Pterodactyl | 3-6 meters | 15-25 kg | 1.5 meters |
Quetzalcoatlus | 10-11 meters | 200-250 kg | Over 5 meters |
Why Quetzalcoatlus was Bigger
There are a few key reasons why Quetzalcoatlus was so much larger than its earlier pterodactyl relatives:
Later Time Period
Quetzalcoatlus lived around 68 million years after pterodactyls, giving those pterosaurs much more time to evolve larger body sizes.
Different Atmosphere
The atmosphere had greater oxygen levels during Quetzalcoatlus’ time, which may have enabled the evolution of giant flying creatures with high oxygen demands.
Larger Food Sources
Quetzalcoatlus lived alongside massive dinosaurs like sauropods and had access to larger food sources, removing constraints on growth.
Warmer Climate
The Cretaceous period was generally warmer than the Jurassic, with more thermal lift for these giant flyers.
Flight Capabilities
Given its staggering size, how was Quetzalcoatlus even able to get airborne and fly?
Hollow Bones
Like pterodactyls, Quetzalcoatlus had extensively hollowed bones and a lightweight skeleton. This kept the weight low relative to wingspan.
Large Flight Muscles
Powerful flight muscles attached to the wings generated the tremendous lift required for Quetzalcoatlus to take off.
Short, Stiff Wing Membrane
Quetzalcoatlus had a short, tightly-stiffened wing membrane that could handle high-speed flight despite the large wingspan.
Smooth Launch
Using its long legs for an assisted takeoff run, Quetzalcoatlus could get airborne without needing to flap vigorously from a standstill. This smoothed out the transition to flight.
Habits and Lifestyle
What was the day-to-day life of these giant flyers like?
Soaring Flight
Quetzalcoatlus was well-suited for soaring high above the landscape, riding thermal updrafts and gliding for long distances without flapping its wings.
Feeding
On the ground, Quetzalcoatlus was an active predator. It used its large beak to feed on small animals and carrion.
Nesting
Quetzalcoatlus built nest sites in colonies, caring for its young like modern birds. It was likely a very attentive parent.
Migration
Some evidence suggests Quetzalcoatlus and other pterosaurs may have migrated long distances seasonally, taking advantage of wind patterns.
Quetzalcoatlus vs. Modern Aircraft
The giant wings of Quetzalcoatlus approach the dimensions of some small manned aircraft:
Cessna 152
The popular Cessna 152 trainer has a wingspan of 10.9 meters – right in line with the largest Quetzalcoatlus!
Piper PA-18 Super Cub
Another popular small plane, the Piper Super Cub, has a wingspan of 11 meters, overlapping Quetzalcoatlus.
Robinson R44 Helicopter
The Robinson R44 light helicopter has a rotor diameter of 10.2 meters, very close to Quetzalcoatlus’ wingspan.
Key Difference – Forward Flight
While Quetzalcoatlus and some small planes have similar wingspans, the key difference is Quetzalcoatlus was specialized for forward flight vs. vertical takeoff.
Conclusion
In summary, Quetzalcoatlus was substantially larger than the earlier pterodactyls in every regard – wingspan, weight, and height. It was the largest known flying animal of all time, exceeding the dimensions of many modern small aircraft. This gigantic pterosaur relied on its huge wings to take advantage of soaring flight, migrating vast distances and feeding on the ground. The evolution of giant flyers like Quetzalcoatlus was made possible by a warmer climate, higher oxygen levels, and an abundance of large dinosaur prey.