New MOEH Addition, part 2
Pteranodon longiceps
Scientific name: Pteranodon longiceps
Discovery: Mike Triebold, 1995
Location: Lane County, KS
Wingspan: 24 ft
Weight: 40-50 lbs
Skull: 8 ft
The
Pteranodon
in our traveling collection is a genus of pterosaurs (flying reptiles), whose created kind was made by the Lord on Day 5 of Creation. Often confused with
Pterodactylus
(usually called pterodactyls), certain
Pteranodon
species could grow to be amongst the largest flying reptiles. Fossils specimens have been found in Alabama, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
These creatures were not dinosaurs; dinosaurs walked upright on their legs due to the hole in their hips (fully perforated acetabulum). Pterosaurs do not have that hole, nor use their legs for their primary mode of transportation. Rather, they are beautifully engineered (by their Creator) for flight. At the “wrist” (carpal joint between the metacarpal and radius), there is a specially designed bone called the pteroid. Based on the evidence, it is believed a membrane-like forewing attached to this bone and the shoulder. This flap could have functioned like the slats on the front of airplane wings.
Additionally, the wings have an excellent aspect ratio of length to width (wingspan to chord) of 9:1. The albatross has a similar ratio of 8:1, providing for great soaring capabilities. Over half of the wing is actually a finger (fourth metacarpal, i.e. ring finger).
The
Pteranodon
fossil in the CTF collection is based on a mostly complete specimen with an 11-foot wingspan. It was meticulously enlarged to match the largest specimen (based on a just few bones), which is believed to have had a 24-foot wingspan. This was done while maintaining the skeletal accuracy of the 11-foot specimen. We are very blessed to have this impressive specimen of aerial engineering to display for the glory of our awesome Creator.
