Are Pteranodon and Pterodactyl the Same Thing?

"Pterodactyl" is the generic word many people use to refer to two famous pterosaurs of the Mesozoic Era, Pteranodon and Pterodactylus. Ironically, these two winged reptiles weren't all that closely related to one another.

Why is a Pteranodon not a dinosaur?

Because they flew and their front limbs stretch out to the sides, they are not dinosaurs. ... Pterosaurs lived from the late Triassic Period to the end of the Cretaceous Period, when they went extinct along with dinosaurs. Pterosaurs were carnivores, feeding mostly on fish and small animals.

What type of dinosaur is a Pteranodon?

Pteranodon was a pterosaur, meaning that it is not a dinosaur. By definition, all dinosaurs belong to one of the two groups within Dinosauria, i.e. Saurischia or Ornithischia. As such, this excludes pterosaurs.

Chloe Bennett

Chloe Bennett

Culture, Media & Entertainment Columnist

Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.