1
|
Pêgas RV, Zhou X, Jin X, Wang K, Ma W. A taxonomic revision of the Sinopterus complex (Pterosauria, Tapejaridae) from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota, with the new genus Huaxiadraco. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14829. [PMID: 36788812 PMCID: PMC9922500 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Tapejarids are edentulous pterosaurs particularly abundant in the Chinese Jiufotang Formation, counting with over 10 described specimens and dozens of undescribed ones. A total of seven nominal tapejarid species (within two genera) have been proposed, though it is disputed how many of those are valid instead of sexual or ontogenetic morphs of fewer, or a single, species. However, detailed revisions of the matter are still lacking. In the present work, we provide a specimen-level survey of anatomical variation in previously described Jiufotang tapejarid specimens, as well as of six new ones. We present qualitative and morphometric comparisons, aiming to provide a basis for a taxonomic reappraisal of the complex. Our results lead us to interpret two Jiufotang tapejarid species as valid: Sinopterus dongi and Huaxiadraco corollatus (gen. et comb. nov.). Our primary taxonomic decisions did not rely around cranial crest features, which have typically been regarded as diagnostic for most of these proposed species albeit ever-growing evidence that these structures are highly variable in pterosaurs, due to ontogeny and sexual dimorphism. However, a reassessment of premaxillary crest variation in the Sinopterus complex reveals that while much of the observed variation (crest presence and size) can easily be attributed to intraspecific (ontogenetic and sexual) variation, some of it (crest shape) does seem to represent interspecific variation indeed. A phylogenetic analysis including the species regarded as valid was also performed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo V. Pêgas
- Laboratório de Paleontologia de Vertebrados e Comportamento Animal, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Xuanyu Zhou
- Department of Natural History Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan,Hokkaido University Museum, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan,Beipiao Pterosaur Museum of China, Beipiao, Liaoning, China
| | - Xingsheng Jin
- Zhejiang Museum of Natural History, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kai Wang
- School of Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, China
| | - Waisum Ma
- Department of Paleobiology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shen C, Pêgas RV, Gao C, Kundrát M, Zhang L, Wei X, Zhou X. A new specimen of Sinopterus dongi (Pterosauria, Tapejaridae) from the Jiufotang Formation (Early Cretaceous, China). PeerJ 2021; 9:e12360. [PMID: 34760376 PMCID: PMC8559606 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Tapejarinae are edentulous pterosaurs that are relatively common in Cretaceous continental deposits in South America, North Africa, Europe, and China (mostly Early Cretaceous). The Chinese Jiufotang Formation is particularly rich in tapejarine specimens, having yielded over 10 described specimens and dozens of undescribed ones. For the Jiufotang Formation, a total of seven nominal tapejarid species and two genera have been proposed. Some debate exists over how many of those are valid or, alternatively, sexual or ontogenetic morphs of fewer (or even a single) species. Despite the abundance of specimens and the relevant taxonomic problems involved, detailed revisions of the matter are still lacking. This is partly due to the relatively scarce knowledge on the comparative osteology of the Sinopterus complex, which is hampered by the fact that most specimens have been only preliminarily described. In this contribution, we present a new postcranial specimen, D3072, which we attribute to the type-species of the genus, Sinopterus dongi. This new specimen helps shed some new light in the osteology of Sinopterus dongi, hopefully serving as a basis for future comparative studies involving further specimens and other proposed species and, subsequently, taxonomic revisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caizhi Shen
- Dalian Natural History Museum, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Rodrigo V. Pêgas
- Laboratório de Paleontologia de Vertebrados e Comportamento Animal, Federal University of ABC, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Chunling Gao
- Dalian Natural History Museum, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Martin Kundrát
- Evolutionary Biodiversity Research Group, PaleoBioImaging Lab, Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Technology and Innovation Park, Pavol Jozef Safárik University, Kosice, Slovak Republic
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Xuefang Wei
- Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuanyu Zhou
- School of Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Hokkaido University Museum, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Beipiao Pterosaur Museum of China, Beipiao, Liaoning, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pêgas RV, Costa FR, Kellner AWA. Reconstruction of the adductor chamber and predicted bite force in pterodactyloids (Pterosauria). Zool J Linn Soc 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaa163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The reconstruction of jaw muscles is critical in establishing potential cranial functions; however, myological studies of extinct groups that have no descendants are difficult to perform and test. This is particularly true for pterosaurs, a group of extinct flying reptiles that present a plethora of cranial morphologies, suggesting different functions and feeding habits. Here we present a first attempt to reconstruct the adductor musculature of the pterodactyloid skull in detail, using osteological correlates and the extant phylogenetic bracketing method. Using these reconstructions, we estimate bite force for nine selected species and investigate implications for potential dietary habits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo V Pêgas
- Laboratory of Vertebrate Paleontology and Animal Behavior, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabiana R Costa
- Laboratory of Vertebrate Paleontology and Animal Behavior, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexander W A Kellner
- Laboratory of Systematics and Taphonomy of Fossil Vertebrates, Departamento de Geologia e Paleontologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Museu Nacional, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Beccari V, Pinheiro FL, Nunes I, Anelli LE, Mateus O, Costa FR. Osteology of an exceptionally well-preserved tapejarid skeleton from Brazil: Revealing the anatomy of a curious pterodactyloid clade. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254789. [PMID: 34432814 PMCID: PMC8386889 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
A remarkably well-preserved, almost complete and articulated new specimen (GP/2E 9266) of Tupandactylus navigans is here described for the Early Cretaceous Crato Formation of Brazil. The new specimen comprises an almost complete skeleton, preserving both the skull and post-cranium, associated with remarkable preservation of soft tissues, which makes it the most complete tapejarid known thus far. CT-Scanning was performed to allow the assessment of bones still covered by sediment. The specimen can be assigned to Tupa. navigans due to its vertical supra-premaxillary bony process and short and rounded parietal crest. It also bears the largest dentary crest among tapejarine pterosaurs and a notarium, which is absent in other representatives of the clade. The new specimen is here regarded as an adult individual. This is the first time that postcranial remains of Tupa. navigans are described, being also an unprecedented record of an articulated tapejarid skeleton from the Araripe Basin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Beccari
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, FCT, GeoBioTec, Department of Earth Sciences, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- Museu da Lourinhã, Lourinhã, Portugal
| | - Felipe Lima Pinheiro
- Laboratório de Paleobiologia, Universidade Federal do Pampa, São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ivan Nunes
- Instituto de Biociências, Laboratório de Herpetologia (LHERP), Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Vicente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz Eduardo Anelli
- Instituto de Geociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Octávio Mateus
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, FCT, GeoBioTec, Department of Earth Sciences, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- Museu da Lourinhã, Lourinhã, Portugal
| | - Fabiana Rodrigues Costa
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Laboratório de Paleontologia de Vertebrados e Comportamento Animal (LAPC), Universidade Federal do ABC, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Griffin CT, Stocker MR, Colleary C, Stefanic CM, Lessner EJ, Riegler M, Formoso K, Koeller K, Nesbitt SJ. Assessing ontogenetic maturity in extinct saurian reptiles. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 96:470-525. [PMID: 33289322 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Morphology forms the most fundamental level of data in vertebrate palaeontology because it is through interpretations of morphology that taxa are identified, creating the basis for broad evolutionary and palaeobiological hypotheses. Assessing maturity is one of the most basic aspects of morphological interpretation and provides the means to study the evolution of ontogenetic changes, population structure and palaeoecology, life-history strategies, and heterochrony along evolutionary lineages that would otherwise be lost to time. Saurian reptiles (the least-inclusive clade containing Lepidosauria and Archosauria) have remained an incredibly diverse, numerous, and disparate clade through their ~260-million-year history. Because of the great disparity in this group, assessing maturity of saurian reptiles is difficult, fraught with methodological and terminological ambiguity. We compiled a novel database of literature, assembling >900 individual instances of saurian maturity assessment, to examine critically how saurian maturity has been diagnosed. We review the often inexact and inconsistent terminology used in saurian maturity assessment (e.g. 'juvenile', 'mature') and provide routes for better clarity and cross-study coherence. We describe the various methods that have been used to assess maturity in every major saurian group, integrating data from both extant and extinct taxa to give a full account of the current state of the field and providing method-specific pitfalls, best practices, and fruitful directions for future research. We recommend that a new standard subsection, 'Ontogenetic Assessment', be added to the Systematic Palaeontology portions of descriptive studies to provide explicit ontogenetic diagnoses with clear criteria. Because the utility of different ontogenetic criteria is highly subclade dependent among saurians, even for widely used methods (e.g. neurocentral suture fusion), we recommend that phylogenetic context, preferably in the form of a phylogenetic bracket, be used to justify the use of a maturity assessment method. Different methods should be used in conjunction as independent lines of evidence when assessing maturity, instead of an ontogenetic diagnosis resting entirely on a single criterion, which is common in the literature. Critically, there is a need for data from extant taxa with well-represented growth series to be integrated with the fossil record to ground maturity assessments of extinct taxa in well-constrained, empirically tested methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T Griffin
- Department of Geosciences, Virginia Tech, 926 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, U.S.A
| | - Michelle R Stocker
- Department of Geosciences, Virginia Tech, 926 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, U.S.A
| | - Caitlin Colleary
- Department of Geosciences, Virginia Tech, 926 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, U.S.A
- Department of Vertebrate Paleontology, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, OH, 44106, U.S.A
| | - Candice M Stefanic
- Department of Geosciences, Virginia Tech, 926 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, U.S.A
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, U.S.A
| | - Emily J Lessner
- Department of Geosciences, Virginia Tech, 926 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, U.S.A
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65212, U.S.A
| | - Mitchell Riegler
- Department of Geosciences, Virginia Tech, 926 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, U.S.A
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, 241 Williamson Hall, Gainesville, FL, 32611, U.S.A
| | - Kiersten Formoso
- Department of Geosciences, Virginia Tech, 926 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, U.S.A
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Southern California, 3651 Trousdale Pkwy, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, U.S.A
- Dinosaur Institute, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 W Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90007, U.S.A
| | - Krista Koeller
- Department of Geosciences, Virginia Tech, 926 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, U.S.A
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, 220 Bartram Hall, Gainesville, FL, 32611, U.S.A
| | - Sterling J Nesbitt
- Department of Geosciences, Virginia Tech, 926 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen H, Jiang S, Kellner AWA, Cheng X, Zhang X, Qiu R, Li Y, Wang X. New anatomical information on Dsungaripterus weii Young, 1964 with focus on the palatal region. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8741. [PMID: 32274262 PMCID: PMC7127482 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pterosaur specimens with complete and well-preserved palatal region are rare. Here we describe new and previously collected specimens of the pterodactyloid pterosaur Dsungaripterus weii that are three-dimensionally preserved and provide new anatomical information for this species. Among the unique features is a lateral process of the pterygoid divided into two parts: an anterior thin, parabolic arc shaped element that separates the secondary subtemporal and the subtemporal fenestrae, followed by a dorsoventrally flattened portion that is directed inside the subtemporal fenestrae. The interpterygoid fenestrae join forming an irregular oval shape with two symmetrical posterior notches and a smooth anterior margin. Among all pterosaurs where the palate is known, the posterior configuration of the palate of D. weii is similar to some azhdarchoids, which is consistent with the suggested phylogenetic position of the Dsungaripteridae as closely related to the Azhdarchoidea. Furthermore, we identify symmetrical grooves on the lateral surface of the upper and lower jaws, that likely represent the impression of the edge of a keratinous sheath that would cover the upturned toothless rostrum during foraging activity, most likely consisting of hard elements, as has been previously assumed. Wear facets on the teeth also support this feeding mode.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- He Chen
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Beijing, China.,College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shunxing Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Beijing, China
| | - Alexander W A Kellner
- Laboratory of Systematics and Taphonomy of Fossil Vertebrates, Department of Geology and Paleontology, Museu Nacional/UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Xin Cheng
- College of Earth Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Beijing, China.,College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Beijing, China.,College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Beijing, China.,College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Beijing, China.,College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kellner AWA, Weinschütz LC, Holgado B, Bantim RAM, Sayão JM. A new toothless pterosaur (Pterodactyloidea) from Southern Brazil with insights into the paleoecology of a Cretaceous desert. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2019; 91:e20190768. [PMID: 31432888 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201920190768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The first pterosaur bone bed from Brazil was reported in 2014 at the outskirts of the town Cruzeiro do Oeste, Paraná State, in the Southern region of the country. Here named 'cemitério dos pterossauros' site, these outcrops were referred to the Goio-Erê Formation (Turonian-Campanian) of the Caiuá Group (Bauru Basin) and revealed the presence of hundreds of isolated or partially articulated elements of the tapejarine pterosaur Caiuajara and fewer amounts of a theropod dinosaur. Here we present a new tapejaromorph flying reptile from this site, Keresdrakon vilsoni gen. et sp. nov., which shows a unique blunt ridge on the dorsal surface of the posterior end of the dentary. Morphological and osteohistological features indicate that all recovered individuals represent late juveniles or sub-adults. This site shows the first direct evidence of sympatry in Pterosauria. The two distinct flying reptiles coexisted with a theropod dinosaur, providing a rare glimpse of a paleobiological community from a Cretaceous desert.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander W A Kellner
- Laboratory of Systematics and Taphonomy of Fossil Vertebrates, Departamento de Geologia e Paleontologia, Museu Nacional/Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Quinta da Boa Vista, s/n, São Cristóvão, 20940-040 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luiz C Weinschütz
- CENPALEO - Centro Paleontológico da Universidade do Contestado, Universidade do Contestado, Jardim do Moinho, 89306-076 Mafra, SC, Brazil
| | - Borja Holgado
- Laboratory of Systematics and Taphonomy of Fossil Vertebrates, Departamento de Geologia e Paleontologia, Museu Nacional/Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Quinta da Boa Vista, s/n, São Cristóvão, 20940-040 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Institut Català de Paleontologia 'Miquel Crusafont' (ICP), C/ de les Columnes, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, E-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Renan A M Bantim
- Laboratório de Paleontologia, Universidade Regional do Cariri (URCA), Rua Coronel Antônio Luiz, 1161, 63195-000 Crato, CE, Brazil
| | - Juliana M Sayão
- Laboratory of Systematics and Taphonomy of Fossil Vertebrates, Departamento de Geologia e Paleontologia, Museu Nacional/Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Quinta da Boa Vista, s/n, São Cristóvão, 20940-040 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Laboratório de Paleobiologia e Microestruturas, Centro Acadêmico de Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Rua do Alto Reservatório, s/n, Bela Vista, 55608-680 Vitória do Santo Antão, PE, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
ZHANG XINJUN, JIANG SHUNXING, CHENG XIN, WANG XIAOLIN. New Material of Sinopterus (Pterosauria, Tapejaridae) from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota of China. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 91:e20180756. [DOI: 10.1590/0001-376520192018756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- XINJUN ZHANG
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), China; CAS Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - SHUNXING JIANG
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), China; CAS Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, China
| | - XIN CHENG
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), China; Universidade Regional do Cariri, Brazil
| | - XIAOLIN WANG
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), China; CAS Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
KELLNER ALEXANDERW, CALVO JORGEO. New azhdarchoid pterosaur (Pterosauria, Pterodactyloidea) with an unusual lower jaw from the Portezuelo Formation (Upper Cretaceous), Neuquén Group, Patagonia, Argentina. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 89:2003-2012. [DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201720170478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|