Quetzalcoatlus northropi is one of the most impressive creatures to have ever inhabited the Earth, known for being one of the largest pterosaurs that existed during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago. Its name refers to Quetzalcoatl, a Mesoamerican deity, and pays homage to aviation pioneer John Knudsen Northrop.
This pterosaur was a flying reptile that was notable for its exceptionally large wingspan, estimated to have reached between 10 and 11 meters and a height of about 5 meters.
Its body, however, was relatively light, designed for flight. It is thought to have weighed between 200 and 250 kilograms, which is considerably light for its size due to its hollow bones and specialized skeletal structures.
Quetzalcoatlus had a long, toothless beak, which it probably used to catch prey. There is debate about its diet and hunting methods; Some theories suggest it may have been a scavenger, feeding on dead animals, while others suggest it hunted small terrestrial prey, such as young dinosaurs or fish in shallow water.
Its appearance was imposing, with a long, muscular neck supporting the elongated head, topped with a crest that may have had functions related to display or balance. The wings were membranous, supported by a single, extremely elongated finger, and extended towards its body, giving it an appearance similar to that of a bat, although much more majestic.
Despite its size, Quetzalcoatlus is thought to have been an efficient flyer, capable of traveling long distances in search of food or nesting sites. Although the exact flight capabilities of this creature are the subject of research, some hypotheses suggest it could fly sustainedly for hours, taking advantage of ascending air currents.
On land, Quetzalcoatlus probably walked in a quadrupedal fashion, using both its wings and hind legs, giving it a strange but effective appearance. It moved with long strides, allowing it to cover ground quickly despite its size.
Approximate measurements of Quetzalcoatlus:
This pterosaur was a flying reptile that was notable for its exceptionally large wingspan, estimated to have reached between 10 and 11 meters and a height of about 5 meters.
Its body, however, was relatively light, designed for flight. It is thought to have weighed between 200 and 250 kilograms, which is considerably light for its size due to its hollow bones and specialized skeletal structures.
Quetzalcoatlus had a long, toothless beak, which it probably used to catch prey. There is debate about its diet and hunting methods; Some theories suggest it may have been a scavenger, feeding on dead animals, while others suggest it hunted small terrestrial prey, such as young dinosaurs or fish in shallow water.
Its appearance was imposing, with a long, muscular neck supporting the elongated head, topped with a crest that may have had functions related to display or balance. The wings were membranous, supported by a single, extremely elongated finger, and extended towards its body, giving it an appearance similar to that of a bat, although much more majestic.
Despite its size, Quetzalcoatlus is thought to have been an efficient flyer, capable of traveling long distances in search of food or nesting sites. Although the exact flight capabilities of this creature are the subject of research, some hypotheses suggest it could fly sustainedly for hours, taking advantage of ascending air currents.
On land, Quetzalcoatlus probably walked in a quadrupedal fashion, using both its wings and hind legs, giving it a strange but effective appearance. It moved with long strides, allowing it to cover ground quickly despite its size.
Approximate measurements of Quetzalcoatlus:
- 1:35 scale Complete
- Height 133 mm
- Real height 143 mm
- 1:18 scale Assembly kit
- Height 257 mm
- Real height 278 mm
