"deep wing" Karlsruhe azhdarchide, etc.

[David Peters <davidrpeters@earthlink.net>]

Darren Naish wrote:

>>I am particularly impressed
by data showing a correlation between fore- and hindlimb
lengths: this is Elvidge and Unwin's data (see new JVP
abstract volume, p. 48A). <<

Saw the charts at SVP. The people I talked to noted that most of the
pterosaur cloud was in the bird cloud and that it was heavily weighted
toward Solnhofen specimens (a fairly normal bunch). Did not see
Pterodaustro (big feet), Anhanguera (tiny feet)  or Pterorhynchus,
Huanhepterus or BPM0002 (all small femora) in the cloud. Could be there,
just missed it. Perhaps Dr. Unwin could tell us if they were included.
Is so, Dr Unwin has made his point. The pterosaur cloud is smaller. If
not, then let's see what the bird cloud looks like when one removes the
oddball birds, the flamingoes and lily pad walkers.

Jim Cunningham may wish to weigh in on this subject since the hind limbs
may have acted as elevators in pterosaurs, which brings up the
possibility that aerodynamic efficiencies may have restricted
dimensions, rather than dermal connections.  Birds tuck in, both in the
air and on the ground, so comparisons may have little functional
cross-correlation.

Dr. Unwin also noted that in birds the tail is separated from the hind
limbs by a reduction of the caudofemoralis muscle group and all of its
associated anchor points. That's correct. However, he did not note a
similar decoupling in pterosaurs and all of their attenuated tail
precursors. Of course bats are not comparable in this regard at all,
having reacquired a coupling dermis long after the demise of the
caudofemoralis complex in their cynodont predeceosors.


Darren also wrote:
>> As usual, I know that anecodates
don't count for much, but I have seen an unpublished
(azhdarchoid) specimen at Karlsruhe which appeared to
show an extensive wing membrane. <<

Dr. Unwin showed a sampling of purported deep wing membranes, including
the famous super-clawed "azhdarchide"  (metacarpal  and fingers + hind
limb) from Karlsuhe with an interesting stain bisecting the slab. It has
been published, just not described or named, to my knowledge. Just to
remove the mystery, Darren, is this the anecodotal specimen to which you
refer above?

Would have replied off-list, but message bounced back.

David Peters
St. Louis