Flesh and bone: The musculature and cervical movements of pterosaurs

Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 97(suppl 1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

The osteological variations present in the cervical vertebrae of pterosaurs represent changes soft tissues neck and reflect their function. Here, we infer presence, volume, capacity musculature pterosaurs. We performed our analyses on three-dimensionally preserved series Anhanguera sp. (AMNH 22555), piscator (NSM-PV 19892), Azhdarcho lancicollis (ZIN PH CCMGE, several specimens), Rhamphorhynchus muensteri (MGUH 1891.738), last three which were digitally modeled for muscle reconstruction. identified correlates from structures observed extant archosaur skulls supported by Extant Phylogenetic Bracket (EPB) criteria. estimated muscular using "Maximal Force Production" formula. According to analyses, at least thirteen muscles pterosaurs, only one does not correspond an EPB level I inference. that skull pitching more robust stronger execute movements. Muscles showed extremely low potential had a stabilization Specializations are compatible with foraging habits previously inferred these namely surface fishing capture small terrestrial prey Azhdarcho.

Language: Английский

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Osteology and functional morphology of a transitional pterosaur Dearc sgiathanach from the Middle Jurassic (Bathonian) of Scotland

BMC Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 25(1)

Published: Jan. 24, 2025

Abstract Pterosaurs were the first vertebrates to evolve active flight. The lack of many well-preserved pterosaur fossils limits our understanding functional anatomy and behavior these flight pioneers, particularly from their early history (Triassic Middle Jurassic). Here we describe in detail osteology an exceptionally preserved Jurassic pterosaur, holotype Dearc sgiathanach Isle Skye, Scotland. We identify new autapomorphies apparatus (humerus sternum), which further support distinctiveness compared with other early-diverging pterosaurs features, such as vertebral morphology, shared later-diverging that probably developed convergently a large body size or sign modular evolution. used extant phylogenetic bracketing infer principal cranial antebrachial musculature, indicating had anteriorly placed palatal musculature compensated for weak temporal jaw adductors wing suggestive style reliant on powerful adduction protraction humerus. Comparisons revealed non-pterodactyloids , despite overall conservative bauplans, adapted various feeding styles. myology are indicative predator flew hunted above lagoons nearshore environments Jurassic.

Language: Английский

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Re-evaluation of Pterodactylus antiquus and Diopecephalus kochi : two troublesome taxonomic concepts

Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 22(1)

Published: Dec. 17, 2024

The taxonomic histories of Pterodactylus antiquus and other pterodactyloids from the Upper Jurassic plattenkalks southern Germany are long complex, reflecting centuries intricate often contentious research. Among most debated issues in pterosaur taxonomy is relationship between Diopecephalus (Pterodactylus) kochi. Three distinct interpretations their have been proposed: (1) P. D. kochi conspecific part an ontogenetic sequence; (2) sister taxa; (3) taxa not each other's closest relatives. Through analysis key anatomical features, including skull morphology, dentition autopodial anatomy, we demonstrate that do share close affinities. Phylogenetic recovered as basal member Pterodactyloidea, retaining features comparable with those non-pterodactyloids. Set within a temporal framework, this challenges traditional assumptions regarding pattern timing pterodactyloid evolution Jurassic, hinting at longer more complex history than previously realized.

Language: Английский

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Osteology, relationship, and feeding ecology of the theropod dinosaur Noasaurus leali, from the Late Cretaceous of North-Western Argentina

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 202(4)

Published: Dec. 1, 2024

Abstract Noasaurus leali is a small (~2 m) carnivorous theropod and the nominal genus of clade Noasauridae, one two radiations abelisauroid ceratosaurs predominantly present in Southern Hemisphere during Mesozoic. This eponymous from Maastrichtian Lecho Formation Salta, Argentina, known an incomplete skeleton which strongly curved manual ungual most peculiar element. We here provide for first time comprehensive description holotypic specimens Noasaurus, whose phylogenetic position was explored using three independent datamatrices on relationships. species diagnosed by several apomorphies such as dorsal ridge maxillary fossa, arched quadrate, cervical neural arch with anterior epipophyseal prongs, subtriangular flexor fossa delimited V-shaped ridge. Results analyses recovered closely related to Velocisaurus, Masiakasaurus, Laevisuchus, together form Late Cretaceous radiation small-bodied noasaurids restricted Hemisphere. The morphology lateral dentition unguals suggests that opportunistic carnivore feeding prey items possible piscivore gaffing fish its specialized hand claws.

Language: Английский

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