Dinosaurs & Prehistory - Other prehistoric animals - Quetzalcoatlus - Pterosaurs - Cretaceous
How did the giant Quetzalcoatlus probably take off?
Correct!
Quetzalcoatlus northropi was a massive pterosaur of the late Cretaceous period and is one of the largest known flying animals in Earth's history. Its wingspan is estimated to be around 11 meters, about the size of a small airplane. For an animal of this size, a normal long run would probably have been difficult. A comprehensive study of the Quetzalcoatlus fossils concluded that the animal probably first made a powerful jump from the ground. Only then could the huge wings take over the further ascent with powerful beats. In the air, Quetzalcoatlus may have relied more on gliding. On the ground, however, he moved on all four limbs. Quetzalcoatlus was not a dinosaur, but a pterosaur, a flying reptile from a separate group.
Quetzalcoatlus probably started with a powerful jump from the ground and then used its huge wings for further ascent.
