What’s the difference between Pteranodons, Pterosaurs, and Pterodactyls?

Question

What’s the difference between Pteranodons, Pterosaurs, and Pterodactyls?

In: 222

Answer 1

Going from smallest to largest group:

“Pteranodon” is a subset of pterodactyloids.

“Pterodactyl” can refer **either** to the specific genus/species *Pterodactylus*, or, more colloquially, anything within the suborder Pterodactyloidea.

“Pterosaur” is the overarching group of flying lizards.

**So pteranodons are a type of pterodactyl, and pterodactyls are a type of pterosaur.**