Pterosaur Discoveries of 2014

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2014 has been a great year for Paleontology so far, for animals of all kinds: Non-Avian Dinosaurs, Avian Dinosaurs, Ichthyosaurs, Snakes, Etc.  But here we have a list of all the Pterosaurs named this year:

Aerodactylus scolopaciceps - Not so much a new discovery, in fact it was named in 1860 as Pterodactylus scolopaciceps, but it was only recently that it named a seperate genus, due to several differences from Pterodactylus, including tooth count.  One with the name of a pokemon no less. 

Boreopterus giganticus - A large species of Boreopterus discovered in China, which seems distinct enough to be considered seperate from Zhenyuanopterus longirostris.

Caiuajara dobruskii
- A tapejarid discovered in Brazil, known from hundreds of bones belonging to at least 47 individuals of different growth stages in the same area, suggesting a congregation. 

Hamipterus tianshanensis - a pteranodontoid discovered in China that also displayed congregation in large groups.  There was clear sexual dimorphism present, with males having larger, more rounded crests than females.  Soft-shelled eggs were beautifully preserved.  S
ediments in the area suggest that the colony died in a large storm.

Ikrandraco avatar - A pteranodontoid discovered in China with a rounded crest located only on the lower jaw, named after the Banshee from the movie "Avatar", which was known by the Na'vi people as "Ikran".

Kryptodrakon progenitor - yet another Chinese pterodactyloid, the basal-most, oldest one yet discovered.

Maaradactylus kellneri - an Anhanguerid discovered in Brazil, with a fairly large skull and slightly upturned snout. 

And there you have it.  All the newly described pterosaurs so far of 2014.  Just more pterosaurs for me to illustrate for my book.   :D
© 2014 - 2024 King-Edmarka
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Zimices's avatar
8 pterosaurs... a good number for just a year! and some of it are very impressive. And we don't have only the another publications of this year, also the news for the next years!