Jidapterus

[David Peters <davidrpeters@earthlink.net>]

A big thank you to DMLer Mike Hanson for forwarding the PDF regarding
Jidapterus.

Some time back DMLer David Unwin reported the publication of the paper
in this manner:

<<<<<<

New pterosaur paper:

Dong, Zhi-ming, Sun Yue-wu and Wu, Shao-yuan. 2003. On a new pterosaur
from the Lower Cretaceous of Chaoyang Basin, Western Liaoning, China.
Global Geology, 22 (1), 1-7.

Reports on a new pterodactyloid from the Jiufotang Formation of
Liaoning,
Jidapterus edentus. Although not assigned to any particular family the
proportions of the postcranial skeleton and many of the anatomical
features seem
very similar to those of Sinopterus, consequently Jidapterus would
appear to be a
tapejarid. Whether it can be distinguished from other Liaoning
tapejarids is
unclear.


>>>>>>

A reconstruction (to be posted next week at pterosaurinfo.com) reveals a
few inconsistencies with the Sinopterus/tapejarid connection. Rather
Jidapterus appears to be an early azhdarchid -- one without hyper
cervicals, much as in Beipiaopterus. The mandible, which was reported
and illustrated as extremely sharp, is way to short for the rostrum. It
appears to be sharp by virtue of being cracked and splintered near the
tip. A broader mandible tip appears just beyond it.

The tapejarids and azhdarchids are not related, despite a number of
homoplasies, according to PAUP.

More later,
David Peters