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New anatomical information on Dsungaripterus weii Young, 1964 with focus on the palatal region

Authors :
He Chen
Shunxing Jiang
Alexander W.A. Kellner
Xin Cheng
Xinjun Zhang
Rui Qiu
Yang Li
Xiaolin Wang
Source :
PeerJ, Vol 8, p e8741 (2020)
Publication Year :
2020
Publisher :
PeerJ Inc., 2020.

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.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
21678359
Volume :
8
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
PeerJ
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.1b51b7c227474820a08393af47e222d7
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.8741