Rhamphorhynchus longiceps (Smith-Woodward 1902) GPIT/RE/7321, no. 81 in Wellnhofer 1975, was the second largest known Rhamphorhynchus (see below). Derived from one of the smallest known species, R. longicaudus, R. longiceps phylogenetically preceded R. muensteri.
Distinct from R. longicaudus, the skull of R. longiceps was more robust and longer than the torso. The rostrum was pointed and probably sharpened with a keratinous extension. The orbit was only twenty percent of the skull length. The premaxillary teeth were reduced and bunched together. The anterior dentary was concave dorsally.
The cervicals decreased in length anteriorly. Seven sacrals were present. The tail was robust but unknown in length. The dorsal ribs were more robust.
The sternal complex was rectangular but gently rounded both anteriorly and posteriorly. The humerus was robust.
The posterior ilium was as long as the anterior. The pubis and ischium were separate. The prepubic perforation was filled in. The The pedal digits were longer than the metatarsus.
Wellnhofer (1975) continued the traditional labeling of various Rhamphorhynchus morphotypes as distinct species. Using statistics measured from long bones Bennett (1995) envisioned a growth series in Rhamphorhynchus with dramatic morphological changes during maturation. This is a blunder. These specimens are morphologically distinct down to the phalangeal proportions and so represent a phylogenetic sequence. No one has attempted a phylogenetic analysis of Rhamphorhnychus until now and the results are presented here. |
