Quetzalcoatlus… #prehistoric #oldearth #quetzalcoatlus #quetzalcoatl #cretaceous

[johnnysanchez]

One of the only times Aztec God has been respected everybody unlike a certain anime that got their design completely wrong

[mouaadwdh]

Quetzalcoatlus is basically a pelican final form

[JaydenNieto-xr]

Imagine seeing the quetz hitting those moon pics

[LEPIDODENDRASAESPECIES]

“The twig snaps under the weight of your leg, and you know well that you will never return to your family, you have to hope that the titans are not hungry.”

[reutyarnitsky]

Quetzalcoatlus is one of the most fascinating prehistoric creatures due to its massive size and unique flight capabilities. It was a pterosaur, a group of flying reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era, coexisting with dinosaurs. Despite their flight, pterosaurs are not considered dinosaurs; they belong to a different branch of the reptile family.

Size and Appearance
Quetzalcoatlus was truly enormous. It had a wingspan of up to 10-11 meters (33-36 feet), making it one of the largest flying animals to ever exist. It had a long, slender neck, a toothless beak, and a small, light body in proportion to its wings. This lightweight body structure allowed it to fly, despite its enormous wingspan.

Its body was covered with a thin membrane of skin, similar to modern-day bats, and it had long, powerful wings with very little muscle mass in its wings, which helped it to glide effortlessly. The length of its legs suggests that it could also walk on the ground, and it likely moved in a manner similar to modern large birds, possibly using its wings for balance when walking.

Flight and Behavior
Unlike smaller flying creatures, Quetzalcoatlus may not have been capable of rapid or flapping flight over short distances. Instead, it likely relied on gliding and soaring techniques. Similar to modern-day birds like albatrosses, Quetzalcoatlus may have used thermal updrafts to stay aloft, traveling great distances without much effort. This would have allowed it to explore large territories in search of food.

Diet and Feeding
The diet of Quetzalcoatlus remains somewhat speculative, but it is believed to have been a carnivore and omnivore. It probably fed on small dinosaurs, fish, and other small vertebrates. Some paleontologists suggest that Quetzalcoatlus may have also scavenged for dead animals, much like modern vultures. Given its large beak and long legs, it might have walked along shorelines or near bodies of water to search for its prey.

Habitat
Quetzalcoatlus lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 70 to 65 million years ago, and its fossils have been found in what is now North America, particularly in the area that is today the western United States. It likely inhabited open plains, coastal regions, and inland areas where it could take advantage of both land and water-based food sources.

Unique Characteristics
One of the most notable features of Quetzalcoatlus was its size. It was one of the largest flying animals to ever live, surpassing even the modern-day wandering albatross in wingspan. However, despite its size, it was not heavy; estimates suggest it weighed between 200 and 250 kilograms (440 to 550 pounds), which is relatively light for an animal of its size. This low weight-to-size ratio made it capable of flying.

Its long neck and beak would have given it a distinct appearance, and it is believed that it could have used its neck to scan the ground for prey while flying overhead.

Extinction
Quetzalcoatlus, like many other prehistoric creatures, went extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period around 65 million years ago, likely due to the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs. However, it is important to note that pterosaurs, including Quetzalcoatlus, lived alongside dinosaurs and are often mistakenly grouped with them. Pterosaurs, unlike dinosaurs, were not directly impacted by the asteroid impact, as their flight capabilities allowed them to adapt differently to changing environments.

Legacy and Popularity
Quetzalcoatlus remains one of the most awe-inspiring prehistoric animals due to its size and the mystery surrounding its flight. Its name, which comes from the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl from Aztec mythology, adds a mythological layer to its legacy. Quetzalcoatlus has captured the imagination of paleontologists, artists, and enthusiasts of prehistoric life. Its depiction in books, movies, and documentaries continues to highlight its place as a symbol of the extraordinary diversity of life during the Mesozoic era.

In conclusion, Quetzalcoatlus is a fascinating pterosaur that showcases the extremes of evolution in terms of size and flight. It continues to be one of the most iconic flying reptiles of the prehistoric world, providing insights into the diversity of creatures that lived alongside the dinosaurs.

[lakshmb]

We are going to defeat Indominus rex with this one 🗣️🗣️🔥🔥

[yasen-ml]

it was probably named that because of its beak being so long and sharp

[Pietzellreal]

Its the god that gave humans chocolate btw

[KnowItAllD]

Hatzegopteryx is the biggest winged animal to fly

[Randomdumbpersona]

The asdarcin demon is what I would use to classify this animal

[ce_ras]

never expected that a huge pelican could be that scary

[Sean-bihi]

Quetzalcoatlus northropi is both goofy looking and terrifying.

[Minecraftloverofextremempg]

god:quetzalcoatl
edit:just add a us at the end

[astronoman]

Is the depiction of that thing even accurate? The beak looks too heavy for its neck to be able to fly straight or long distances. Even a Shoebill stork looks more aerodynamic