Pteranodon was a large flying reptile that lived during the late Cretaceous period, around 70 to 100 million years ago. It belonged to a group called pterosaurs, which were not dinosaurs but closely related. Pteranodon had a wingspan that could reach up to 33 feet, making it one of the largest known flying animals. Its long, backward-sweeping crest on its head is a distinctive feature. Pteranodon primarily fed on fish, using its long, pointed beak to catch prey while flying over the water. Fossils have been found in North America, particularly in areas that were once coastal environments. Its adaptations for flight and feeding make it a fascinating subject of study in paleontology.