Pteranodon sp. NMC41-358 (undescribed, the Triebold specimen) is one of the few Pteranodon specimens in which the skull is associated with post-crania. It is the most complete Pteranodon ever found. Derived from the KUVP 2212 specimen, NMC41-358 phylogenetically preceded the USNM 13868 specimen.
Distinct from the KUVP 2212 specimen, the skull of NMC41-358 was longer, lower and more curved. The crest was more erect and had no posterior cantilevered portion. The quadrate was not so inclined. The lacrimal was larger. The nasal was larger. The mandible was crushed dorsoventrally, so it was probably not deep.
Distinct from the UUPI R197 specimen, the wing elements were all more gracile in NMC41-358. The hind limb was smaller and more gracile. The pes was plantigrade with digits of increasing length laterally. Unguals 2-4 were aligned.
The family tree of Pteranodon is here. The family tree of the Ornithocephalia and Germanodactylia is here. The expanded family tree of the Pterosauria is here.
Bipedal pterosaur (the Triebold Pteranodon) demonstrating that splayed femora can still provide a narrow gauge step cycle due to the bending of the knees below the plane of the acetabulum.
Two Relatively Complete Pteranodon specimens to scale,
NMC41-358 and UALVP 24238. Click to enlarge.
Animation of a walking Pteranodon. Click to enlarge and animate. The femur is presented without the foreshortening that was present.
