Evolution of the pterosaur pelvis

Elaine S. Hyder, Mark P. Witton, David M. Martill

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

160 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Pterosaur pelvic girdles are complex structures that offer a wealth of phylogenetic and biomechanical information, but have been largely overlooked by pterosaur anatomists. Here, we review pterosaur pelvic morphology and find significant differences that correlate well with pterosaur clades identified in some phylogenetic analyses. We find that the length and orientation of the iliac processes, position of the acetabulum, extent of the ischiopubic plate and presence of supraneural fusion in adult individuals are taxonomically informative. Ontogenetic changes in pelvic morphology dictate that osteologically mature specimens are required to assess the development of many of these characteristics. We suggest that pelvic characters can readily be incorporated into pterosaur phylogenetic analyses and may assist in resolving the controversial interrelationships of this group. Distinctive pterosaur pelvic morphotypes suggest considerable differences in stance, locomotory kinematics and hindlimb functionality across the group.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)109-124
JournalActa Palaeontologica Polonica
Volume59
Issue number1
Early online date4 May 2012
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2014

Keywords

  • Pelvis
  • Phylogeny
  • Pterosauria
  • Terrestrial locomotion

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Evolution of the pterosaur pelvis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this