Zhenyuanopterus longirostris (Lü et alk. 2010) GLGMV 0001 Early Cretaceous was derived from a sister to Boreopterus and Haopterus. Zhenyuanopterus was a phylogenetic predecessor to Arthurdactylus.
Distinct from Boreopterus, the skull of Zhenyuanopterus was longer, especially in the pre-antorobital fenestra region. The teeth were more widely spaced and continued erupting closer to the orbit, which was smaller. A squarish crest surmounted the mid rostrum. The cranium was crest-like, probably for muscle attachments.
The cervicals were more robust. The torso was smaller and shallower, as in Haopterus. The caudals were more robust.
The sternal complex did not have lateral 'wings'. The scapula and coracoid were fused. The coracoids were laterally oriented. The humerus was as long as the torso. The ulna and radius were more robust and relatively shorter.
The hind limbs were longer, as in Haopterus. The feet were extremely tiny with robust metatarsals and slender digits.
The ornithocheirid family tree is here. The entire pterosaur family tree is here. |
