The name "Pteranodon" derives from the Greek words for "wing" and "toothless," which accurately describes this genus of pterosaur. It included some of the largest known flying reptiles, with wingspans exceeding 7 meters. They lived approximately 85 million years ago in North America.

An adult male Pteranodon typically had a wingspan of about 6 meters, while adult females were considerably smaller, with a wingspan around 4 meters. Like modern birds, Pteranodon had a long, slender, toothless beak that ended in a sharp point.

Its most distinctive feature was a large cranial crest. The size and shape of this crest varied significantly depending on the individual's age, sex, and species.