During the prehistoric period, the Earth was walked by giant animals, but among them one stood out: the QuetzalcoatlusThe greatest of all.
It is an imposing dinosaur that grew to the size of a small plane and was as tall as a giraffe.
What is the Quetzalcoatlus?
The Quetzalcoatlus receives its name in honor of the Mexican god Quetzalcóatlthe feathered serpent and one of the most important in the Aztec pantheon.
This dinosaur lived on Earth approximately 67 million years ago, during the Late Cretaceous period.
It is important to note that the reference to the god Quetzalcóatl is also given because of his enormous size. The Quetzalcoatlus could be 5.2 meters tall (similar to a giraffe) when standing. But by expanding the imposing wings of it used to reach a size of 12 meters.
Findings
The first fossil remains of this dinosaur of the genus pterodactyloid pterosaurs they met in Texas, United Statesin the 1970s.
In the first models of its skeleton, it was represented with a long and slender neck, crowned with a short skull and beak. This gave him a somewhat gloomy appearance.
However, as the researchers progressed in their study, it is now known that their appearance is more similar to that of other pterosaurs:
- sharp beak
- wings with muscles
- crested skull
Paleontologists point out that the Quetzalcoatlus could have problems moving on dry land, so it was supported on four legs, including two of its wings.
However, in the air he could move with much greater ease. On the other hand, having a long and sharp beak, it was capable of capturing its prey at low altitudes and in shallow water.
And you already knew this gigantic animal?