[Paleontology • 2018] Sibirotitan astrosacralis • A New Sauropod dinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous Ilek Formation, Western Siberia, Russia

Sibirotitan astrosacralis

Averianov, Ivantsov, Skutschas, Faingertz & Leshchinskiy, 2018

Сибиротитан звездокрестцовый  DOI: 10.1016/j.geobios.2017.12.004

Abstract

Sibirotitan astrosacralis nov. gen., nov. sp., is described based on isolated but possibly associated cervical and dorsal vertebrae, sacrum, and previously published pedal elements from the Lower Cretaceous (Barremian?) Ilek Formation at Shestakovo 1 locality (Kemerovo Province, Western Siberia, Russia). Some isolated sauropod teeth from the Shestakovo 1 locality are referred to the same taxon. The phylogenetic parsimony analyses place Sibirotitan astrosacralis nov. gen., nov. sp., as a non-titanosaurian somphospondyl titanosauriform. The new taxon exhibits four titanosauriform and one somphospondylan synapomorphies, and one autapomorphy – a hyposphene ridge that extends between the neural canal and the postzygapophyses. It differs from all other Somphospondyli by having only five sacral vertebrae. The new taxon shares with Euhelopus and Epachtosaurus sacral ribs that converge towards the middle of the sacrum in dorsal view. Sibirotitan astrosacralis nov. gen., nov. sp., is only the second sauropod taxon from Russia and one of the oldest titanosauriform described so far in Asia.

Keywords: Sibirotitan astrosacralis nov. gen., nov. sp.; Titanosauriformes; Sauropoda; Phylogenetic parsimony analysis; Early Cretaceous; Siberia; Asia

Dinosauria Owen, 1842

Saurischia Seeley, 1887

Sauropoda Marsh, 1878

Titanosauriformes Salgado et al., 1997

Genus Sibirotitan nov. gen.

Derivation of the name: from Siberia and Greek Tιτάν (titan), a member of the second order of divine beings, descended from the primordial deities and preceding the Olympian deities in Greek mythology.

Type and only species: Sibirotitan astrosacralis nov. gen., nov. sp.

Derivation of the name: from Greek αστρον (star) and Latin os sacrum (“sacred bone”), an allusion to the unusual configuration of sacral ribs which radiate, in dorsal view, from the middle of the sacrum as the rays of a star.

 S.V. Ivantsov digging out the posterior cervical vertebra PM TGU 120/8-Sh1-3 from the Malyi Yar outcrop in 2008 (Kemerovo Province, Russia). Photo by S.V. Leshchinskiy.

  

  

 Alexander Averianov, Stepan Ivantsov, Pavel Skutschas, Alexey Faingertz and Sergey Leshchinskiy. 2018. A New Sauropod dinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous Ilek Formation, Western Siberia, Russia. Geobios. In Press.  DOI: 10.1016/j.geobios.2017.12.004

Averianov, A.O., Voronkevich, A.V., Maschenko, E.N., Leshchinskiy, S.V., and Fayngertz, A.V. 2002. A sauropod foot from the Early Cretaceous of Western Siberia, Russia. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica. 47 (1): 117–124.  DOI: 10.1.1.492.1575 

Hello to the Sibirosaurus? New dinosaur discovered by university scientists http://siberiantimes.com/science/casestudy/news/n0167-hello-to-the-sibirosaurus-new-dinosaur-discovered-by-university-scientists

Познакомьтесь с новым сибирским динозавром https://metkere.com/2018/01/sibirotitan.html via @metkere

Новый род найденных в Кузбассе динозавров назвали сибиротитаном https://mediakuzbass.ru/news/obshhestvo/94522.html 

 facebook.com/mediakuzbass/photos/1397477943695761

 facebook.com/zakuzbass/posts/1997963993799281

[Paleontology • 2016] Structure and Homology of Psittacosaurus Tail Bristles

A, the ‘beard’ of the turkey, Meleagris gallopavo (Galliformes). B, the spine on the head of the horned screamer, Anhima cornuta (Anseriformes). C, bristles on the head of the Congo peafowl, Afropavo congensis (Galliformes).

 Psittacosaurus sp. from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota of China (SMF R 4970).  A, overview of specimen. B, detail of tail section with bristles. Both scale bars represent 10 cm. 

  DOI:  10.1111/pala.12257 

Abstract

We examined bristle-like appendages on the tail of the Early Cretaceous basal ceratopsian dinosaur Psittacosaurus with laser-stimulated fluorescence imaging. Our study reveals previously unknown details of these structures and confirms their identification as integumentary appendages. For the first time, we show that most bristles appear to be arranged in bundles and that they exhibit a pulp that widens towards the bristle base. We consider it likely that the psittacosaur bristles are structurally and developmentally homologous to similar filamentous appendages of other dinosaurs, namely the basal heterodontosaurid Tianyulong and the basal therizinosauroid theropod Beipiaosaurus, and attribute the greater robustness of the bristles of Psittacosaurus to a higher degree of cornification and calcification of its integument (both skin and bristles). Although the psittacosaur bristles are probably homologous with avian feathers in their origin from discrete cell populations, it is uncertain whether they developed from a follicle, one of the developmental hallmarks of true feathers. In particular, we note a striking resemblance between the psittacosaur bristles and the cornified spine on the head of the horned screamer, Anhima cornuta, an extant anseriform bird. Similar, albeit thinner keratinous filaments of extant birds are the ‘beard’ of the turkey, Meleagris gallopavo, and the crown of the Congo peafowl, Afropavo congensis. All of these structures of extant birds are distinct from true feathers, and because at least the turkey beard does not develop from follicles, detailed future studies of their development would be invaluable towards deepening our understanding of dinosaur filamentous integumentary structures.

Keywords:  ceratopsian dinosaur; feather evolution; LSF imaging; Psittacosaurus; tail bristles

Figure 4. A, the ‘beard’ of the turkey, Meleagris gallopavo (Galliformes; uncatalogued mounted specimen on display in Senckenberg Natural History Museum). B, the spine on the head of the horned screamer, Anhima cornuta (Anseriformes; uncatalogued mounted specimen on display in the Senckenberg Natural History Museum). C, bristles on the head of the Congo peafowl, Afropavo congensis (Galliformes; uncatalogued mounted specimen on display in Senckenberg Natural History Museum). D, detail of longitudinal section through the base of an Anhima spine attached to a macerated skull (SMF 2479) to show the pulp, which is infilled with dense connective tissue; the tip of this spine is broken. E–F, detail of two psittacosaur bristles with pulp indicated by dashed lines in the greyscale images to the right. All scale bars represent 10 mm.

  DOI:  10.1111/pala.12257

Figure 1. Psittacosaurus sp. from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota of China (SMF R 4970).
A, overview of specimen. B, detail of tail section with bristles. Both scale bars represent 10 cm. 

Gerald Mayr, Michael Pittman, Evan Saitta, Thomas G. Kaye and Jakob Vinther. 2016. Structure and Homology of Psittacosaurus Tail Bristles. Palaeontology. DOI: 10.1111/pala.12257

  

Gerald Mayr, D. Stefan Peters, Gerhard Plodowski and Olaf Vogel. 2002. Bristle-like Integumentary Structures at the Tail of the Horned Dinosaur Psittacosaurus. Naturwissenschaften. 89; 361–365.  DOI: 10.1007/s00114-002-0339-6

http://www.senckenberg.de/files/content/forschung/abteilung/terrzool/ornithologie/psittacosaur.pdf

[Ichthyology • 2002] Hypancistrus inspector • A New Species of Suckermouth Armored Catfish (Loricariidae: Ancistrinae) from Venezuela

Hypancistrus inspector Armbruster, 2002

DOI: 10.1643/0045-8511(2002)002[0086:HIANSO]2.0.CO;2

Abstract

Hypancistrus inspector, a new species of suckermouth armored catfish from Venezuela, is described and compared to the only other species of Hypancistrus, Hypancistrus zebra. The two species differ mainly in coloration with H. inspector dark brown to black with pale yellow to white spots and H. zebra with a boldly contrasting pattern of black and white stripes. Hypancistrus is diagnosed based on the unique presence of a sharply angled adductor palatini crest and two reversals: wide anterior separation of the metapterygoid and lateral ethmoid and the loss of the lateral wall of the metapterygoid channel. Specimens of H. inspector were found to have many seeds in the intestine suggesting that the species is at least partially granivorous.

Range.— Known only from the upper río Orinoco and upper río Negro drainages, Amazonas, Venezuela (Fig. 4).

Ecology.— Collected from rocks and rapids. Gut contents reveal that in addition to algae and detritus, H. inspector also consumes seeds. Dicotyledonous seeds were separated into the two cotyledons while monocotyledenous seeds were apparently crushed.

Armbruster, J.W. 2002. Hypancistrus inspector: A New Species of Suckermouth Armored Catfish (Loricariidae: Ancistrinae). Copeia, 2002 (1): 86–92. DOI: 10.1643/0045-8511(2002)002[0086:HIANSO]2.0.CO;2

Armbruster, J.W., Lujan, N.K. and Taphorn, D.C. 2007. Four New Hypancistrus (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from Amazonas, Venezuela. Copeia. (1): 62–79. DOI: 10.1643/0045-8511(2007)7[62:FNHSLF]2.0.CO;2

Resumen: Hypancistrus inspector, una nueva especie de corroncho de Venezuela, se describe y compara con la única otra especie de Hypancistrus, Hypancistrus zebra. Las dos especies se diferencian principalmente en su coloración, con H. inspector de un color castaño obscuro a negro y con manchas de color amarillo claro a blanco, y H. zebra con lineas de color blanco y negro que contrastan. La diagnosticación de Hypancistrus se basa en la presencia única de una cresta adductora palatini de ángulo agudo y dos reversiones: una separación amplia anterior del metapterygoideo y el etmoideo lateral, y la pérdida de la pared lateral del canal metapterygoideo. En el intestino de los espécimenes de H. inspector se encontraron muchas semillas sugeriendo que los peces son granívoros por lo menos parcialmente.

[PaleoMammalogy • 2002] Propalaeocastor irtyshensis • Propalaeocastor (Rodentia, Mammalia) from the early Oligocene of Burqin Basin, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China

Propalaeocastor irtyshensis

by sinammonite on @deviantART 

Abstract

A new species of castorids, Propalaeocastor irtyshensis, n.sp., from the Burqin Basin of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, is described. The new species, represented by a right maxilla with well-preserved P4–M3, is the earliest and northernmost occurrence of castorids in China. It is characterized mainly by the cheek tooth crown being higher than that of P. butselensis but lower than that of Steneofiber aff. dehmi (probably a new species of Propalaeocastor), and by lingual confluence of the mesoflexus to the lingual fossette of the premesoflexus. Comparison with known species previously assigned to Steneofiber from Europe and Kazakhstan leads to the conclusion that the early Oligocene forms previously assigned to the genus, such as “S. butselensis” and “S. kazachstanicus”, differ significantly from those represented by S. eseri from the Late Oligocene and Early Miocene of Europe. We consider Propalaeocastor a valid genus, provide an emended diagnosis for it, and discuss its evolutionary trend in relation to Steneofiber. Preliminary analysis of Burqin fauna suggests an age of early Early Oligocene. Faunal transformations across the Eocene–Oligocene boundary in the Burqin region are comparable to those of Europe and the Mongolian Plateau and suggest linkage of faunal turnovers and global climate changes.

Wu, W., Meng, J., Ye, J. and Ni, X. 2002. Propalaeocastor (Rodentia, Mammalia) from the early Oligocene of Burqin Basin, Xinjiang. American Museum Novitates. 3461: 1–16. doi: dx.doi.org/10.1206/0003-0082(2004)461<0001:PRMFTE>2.0.CO;2
http://digitallibrary.amnh.org/dspace/handle/2246/2771

http://researchgate.net/publication/232689988_Propalaeocastor_(Rodentia_Mammalia)_from_the_Early_Oligocene_of_Burqin_Basin_Xinjiang

[Herpetology • 2002] Kaloula walteri | Walter's Narrow-mouthed Frog • A New Species of Narrow-mouthed Frog (Amphibia: Anura: Microhylidae; Genus Kaloula) from the Mountains of southern Luzon and Polillo Islands, Philippines

Fig. 1. Color pattern variation in live Kaloula walteri, photographed on Mt. Banahao, Luzon Island. Light phase, tan dorsum with dark marbling

http://ornithology.biodiversity.ku.edu/node/1390

Kaloula walteri Brown, Diesmos & Alcala, 2002

We describe a new species of narrow-mouthed frog of the genus Kaloula from the volcanic mountains of southern Luzon Island (Mt. Banahao, Mt. Isarog, and Mt. Mayon) and adjacent Polillo Island, Philippines. On the volcanoes of southern Luzon, the new species is found in habitats ranging from small dry stream beds to stationary pools of rivers in mid- to upper montane primary forest. On Polillo Island, the new species has been found near quiet streams in selectively logged primary forest and second growth near sea level. The new species presumably is allied to Kaloula rigida (a forest species endemic to northern Luzon Island) and to Kaloula picta (a more widespread Philippine endemic that is found in a variety of habitats) as indicated by possession of narrow disks on the digits and by the presence of supernumerary tubercles on the palmar surface of the manus. It differs from these species by its smaller body size, reduction of webbing on toes, absence or extreme reduction of outer metacarpal tubercles, and by characteristics of the advertisement call.

Etymology: The new species is named in honor of Walter C. Brown in recognition of his immense contributions to our knowledge of the systematics, zoogeography, and ecology of Philippine amphibians and reptiles. Suggested Common Name: Walter's narrow-mouthed frog

Ecology, habitat, and life history. Specimens of K. walteri have been observed or collected in riparian habitats ranging from lowland dipterocarp forest to midmontane closed-canopy rain forest (sensu Whitmore, 1984). On Mt. Banahao, the new species has been observed in habitats at elevations of 650-950 m ranging from small (= 3 m wide) dry stream beds to larger rivers (> 6 m wide) during the dry season (observed in March and April) when water levels decline and large stationary pools form (Fig. 5). The single specimen from Mt. Isarog was collected at an elevation of 990 m, and Mt. Mayon specimens were collected at 650 m. The specimen from Polillo was collected at approximately 25 m above sea level in well-regenerated secondary forest. Specimens at this locality have been heard calling near clearings and even on edges of agricultural areas adjacent to forest (V. Yngente, pers. comm.)

.................

Other sympatric species of anurans include K conjuncta conjuncta, Limnonectes macrocephalus, Limnonectes woodworthi, Rana luzonensis, Rana similis, Philautus surdus, Platymantis banahao, Platymantis corrugatus, Platymantis dorsalis, Platymantis luzonensis, Platymantis montanus, Platymantis indeprensus, and Platymantis pseudodorsalis. Other amphibians known from Mt. Banahao (Diesmos, 1998; unpubl. data), that we have not found at the specific type locality, include Occidozyga laevis, Rana erythraea, Polypedates leucomystax, Rhacophorus bimaculatus, Rhacophorus pardalis, and two additional undescribed species of Platymantis. On Mt. Isarog, the new species also is sympatric with Platymantis isarog (Brown et al., 1997), and an undescribed species of Platymantis (unpubl. data) and on Polillo Island, Rhacophorus appendiculatus, Platymantis polillensis, Platymantis sp. (of uncertain taxonomic status, possibly conspecific with P. luzonensis) and Rana (= Fejervarya) vittigera also have been recorded sympatrically (Hampson, 1999a,b; ACD and RMB, pers. obs.). 

Diesmos, A.C., Brown, R.M. and Alcala, A.C. 2002. A New Species of Narrow-mouthed Frog (Amphibia: Anura: Microhylidae; Genus Kaloula) from the Mountains of southern Luzon and Polillo Islands, Philippines. Copeia. 1037-1051. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1448523

[Ornithology • 2002] Pyrilia (Pionopsitta) aurantiocephala | Bald Parrot or Orange-headed Parrot • Description of a New Species of Parrot (Aves: Psittacidae) Endemic to Brazil

Bald Parrot or Orange-headed Parrot

Pyrilia aurantiocephala (Gaban-Lima, Raposo & Hofling, 2002)

Pyrilia aurantiocephala (Gaban-Lima, Raposo & Hofling, 2002)
Syn: Pionopsitta aurantiocephala Gaban-Lima, Raposo & Hofling, 2002

Abstract

A new species from Brazil — Pionopsitta aurantiocephala — is described, which is easily distinguished from the other species of that genus by its completely bare, intensely orange colored head. Specimens of this species have been historically identified as immatures of P. vulturina, which occur in simpatry with P. aurantiocephala on the Middle Tapajo´ s River and possibly on the Lower Madeira River. The description of a new species of Psittacidae stresses the importance of new studies in the regions of the Madeira and Tapajo' s rivers.

Etymology. The proposed name is designed to highlight the diagnostic orange bare-headed characteristic of the species.

Gaban-Lima, R., Raposo, M.A. & Hofling, E. 2002. Description of a New Species of Pionopsitta (Aves: Psittacidae) Endemic to Brazil. The Auk. 119(3): 815–819

http://www.scricciolo.com/Pionipsitta%20aurantiocephala.pdf

http://facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=575770585803041

[Herpetology • 2002] Batrachoseps robustus • New species of slender salamander, genus Batrachoseps, from the southern Sierra Nevada of California

Kern Plateau slender salamander

Batrachoseps robustus Wake, Yanev & Hansen, 2002

Populations of robust salamanders belonging to the plethodontid salamander genus Batrachoseps (subgenus Plethopsis) from the southern Sierra Nevada and adjacent regions represent a previously unknown species here described as Batrachoseps robustus. The new species is robust, with a short trunk (17–18 trunk vertebrae) and well-developed limbs. It differs from its close geographic neighbor, Batrachoseps campi, in lacking patches of dorsal silvery iridophores and in having (typically) a lightly pigmented dorsal stripe, and from Batrachoseps wrighti in being more robust, having more trunk vertebrae, and in lacking conspicuous white spots ventrally. This species is widely distributed on the semiarid Kern Plateau of the southeastern Sierra Nevada and extends along the east slopes of the mountains into the lower Owens Valley; it also is found to the south in the isolated Scodie Mountains. It occurs at high elevations, from 1615–2800 m, in areas of low rainfall and high summer temperatures.

Wake, D.B., Yanev, K.P. & Hansen, R.W. 2002. New species of slender salamander, genus Batrachoseps, from the southern Sierra Nevada of California. Copeia, 2002, 1016–1028.

http://ib.berkeley.edu/labs/wake/266Robustus.Description.2002.pdf

[Herpetology • 2002] ตุ๊กกายถ้ำตะวันออก | Cyrtodactylus sumonthai | Sumontha's Bent-toed Gecko • A New Species of Cave-dwelling Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Rayong Province, southeastern Thailand

Living specimen of adult male Cyrtodactylus sumonthai, sp. nov. (IRSNB 2624, holotype) from Khao Wong, Rayong Province, eastern Thailand. Note the slender habitus, elongate tail and digits and banded color pattern. Photo by Lawan Chanhome

A new species of the gekkonid lizard genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 is described on the basis of material collected in limestone caves at Khao Wong, Rayong Province, Thailand. It is characterized by a slender body, elongate tail and digits, small number (12) of rows of dorsal tubercles, and enlarged patch of precloacal scales bearing only two precloacal pores. The new species is the second tropical Asian  Cyrtodactylus believed to be largely associated with cave environments and is the twelfth species of the genus thus far recorded from Thailand. 

Key words: Cyrtodactylus sumonthai, sp. nov.; Gekkonidae; description; cave-dwelling 

Living specimen of juvenile Cyrtodactylus sumonthai, sp. nov. (IRSNB 2626, paratype) from Tham Tao, Khao Wong, Rayong Province, Thailand. Note the conspicuous differences between the juvenile and adult color patterns. The specimen was approximately two weeks old when photographed, but was not preserved until it died at approximately seven weeks of age. Photo by Lawan Chanhome.

Etymology.– The specific epithet is a partonym honoring Mr. Montri Sumontha of the Ranong Marine Fisheries Station, who collected the type series of the new species. 

Distribution and Natural History.– Cyrtodactylus sumonthai is known only from a single mountain, Khao Wong in Rayong Province, southeastern Thailand, which is riddled with limestone caves.

Bauer, A.M., Pauwels, O.S.G. & Chanhome, L. 2002. A New Species of Cave-dwelling Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Thailand. Natural History Journal of Chulalongkorn University, 2 (2): 19-29

http://www.thaiscience.info/Article%20for%20ThaiScience/Article/5/Ts-5%20a%20new%20species%20of%20cave-dwelling%20cyrtodactylus%20(squamata-%20gekkonidae)%20from%20thailand.pdf

Facebook: http://facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=435199103200120

[Paleontology • 2002] Aucasaurus garridoi • A new close relative of Carnotaurus sastrei Bonaparte, 1985 (Theropoda: Abelisauridae) from the Late Cretaceous of Patagonia

Aucasaurus attacking titanosaurs at Auca Mahuevo, Argentina. 

Illustration: John Sibbick

Aucasaurus garridoi 

Coria, Chiappe & Dingus, 2002

Aucasaurus was a genus of medium-sized theropod dinosaur from Argentina that lived during the Santonian stage (Anacleto Formation). It was smaller than the related Carnotaurus, although more derived in some ways, such as its extremely reduced arms and almost total lack of fingers. The type skeleton is complete to the thirteenth caudal vertebra, and so is relatively well understood, and is the most complete abelisaurid yet described.

Etymology: ‘‘Auca,’’ from Mapuche language, in reference to Auca Mahuevo, the fossil locality where the specimen was found; ‘‘saurus,’’ from the Greek, lizard; ‘‘garridoi,’’ in homage to Mr. Alberto Garrido, who discovered the holotype.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aucasaurus

Coria RA, Chiappe LM, Dingus L. 2002. A new close relative of Carnotaurus sastrei Bonaparte, 1985 (Theropoda: Abelisauridae) from the Late Cretaceous of Patagonia. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 22: 460–465. doi: 10.1671/0272-4634(2002)022[0460:ANCROC]2.0.CO;2 

http://www.le-monde-des-dinosaures.net/carnotaurus1.pdf

[Ornithology • 2002] Molecular Systematics and the Role of the "Várzea"-"Terra-Firme" Ecotone in the Diversification of Xiphorhynchus Woodcreepers (Passeriformes: Dendrocolaptidae)

Abstract

The phylogeny of all known Xiphorhynchus (Dendrocolaptidae) species and many of its subspecies was reconstructed to evaluate species limits in this taxonomically challenging genus and investigate the possible role played by the Amazonian “várzea” (floodplain forest)–“terra-firme” (upland forest) ecotone in its diversification. Phylogenies were inferred based on 2,430 bp of the mitochondrial DNA genes ND2, ND3, and cytochrome b. All phylogeny estimates supported the monophyly of all extant Xiphorhynchus species to the exclusion of the sibling species pair Straight-billed (X. picus) and Zimmer's (X. kienerii) woodcreeper. Confirming findings of previous molecular and anatomical studies, strong support was found to include the Lesser Woodcreeper (Lepidocolaptes fuscus) in Xiphorhynchus. Levels of sequence divergence among some subspecies of Buff-throated (X. guttatus), Ocellated (X. ocellatus), and Spix's (X. spixii) woodcreepers reached or exceeded those found between closely related, undisputed biological species of Xiphorhynchus. High levels of sequence differentiation and the paraphyly of some Xiphorhynchus species indicated that the following taxa should be recognized as species: Lafresnaye's (X. guttatoides), Tschudi's (X. chunchotambo), and Elegant (X. elegans) woodcreepers. All Xiphorhynchus species restricted to terra-firme forest in lowland Amazonia formed a well supported monophyletic group, whereas species restricted to várzea forest were either basal to a clade containing species found in a wide variety of habitats (Striped Woodcreeper [X. obsoletus]) or belonged to a distinct lineage likely to be regarded as a separate genus (X. kienerii). These findings falsified an anticipated sister relationship between várzea and terra-firme species, as expected if the várzea–terra-firme ecotone had played a decisive role in population differentiation and speciation within Xiphorhynchus. Instead, phylogeny estimates suggested that the várzea–terra-firme habitat specialization evolved early on in the evolutionary history of Xiphorhynchus and that subsequent differentiation occurred mostly within the terra-firme habitat.

Aleixo, Alexandre. 2002. Molecular Systematics and the Role of the "Várzea"-"Terra-Firme" Ecotone in the Diversification of Xiphorhynchus Woodcreepers (Aves: Dendrocolaptidae). the Auk. 119(3): 621-640. 

DOI: 10.1642/0004-8038(2002)119[0621:MSATRO]2.0.CO;2

http://www.faunaparaguay.com/Auk%20119-3-621.pdf

Aleixo, Alexandre (2002): Molecular systematics, phylogeography, and population genetics of Xiphorhynchus (Aves: Dendrocolaptidae) in the Amazon basin. Ph.D. dissertation, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA.

http://etd.lsu.edu/docs/available/etd-0709102-190444/unrestricted/Aleixo_dis.pdf

[Paleontology • 2002] Hatzegopteryx thambema • A new Giant azhdarchid pterosaur with a robust skull from the terminal Cretaceous of Transylvania (western Romania)

Art: Fall down mountains, just don't fall on me

 | http://flic.kr/p/4KQ28g

Abstract

A new giant pterosaur, Hatzegopteryx thambema, nov.gen., nov.sp., from the Maastrichtian Densuy-Ciula Formation of Romania is remarkable for its very large size (estimated wing span S12 m) and for the robustness of its large skull, which may have been nearly 3 m long. The stout skull bones contrast with the usually thin and slender skull elements of other pterosaurs, and raise the question of how the weight of the skull was reduced in order to make flight possible. The answer probably lies in the very peculiar internal structure of the bones, which consists of a dense network of very thin trabeculae enclosing small alveoli. This structure is reminiscent of expanded polystyrene and, like it, probably combined strength with lightness.

Derivatio nominis: Generic name from the Hatzeg (or Hat¸eg) basin of Transylvania, where the type specimen was collected, and pteryx, Greek for wing. Specific name from thambema, Greek for monster, alluding to the monstrous size of this pterosaur

Buffetaut, E., Grigorescu, D., and Csiki, Z. 2002. A new giant pterosaur with a robust skull from the latest Cretaceous of Romania. Naturwissenschaften. 89(4): 180-184. 

DOI: 10.1007/s00114-002-0307-1

http://www.geo.edu.ro/sgr/mod/downloads/PDF/Buffetaut-Natwiss-2002.pdf

Buffetaut, E., Grigorescu, D. and Csiki, Z. 2003. Giant azhdarchid pterosaurs from the terminal Cretaceous of Transylvania (western Romania), Geological Society, London, Special Publications 217: 91-104. DOI: 10.1144/​GSL.SP.2003.217.01.09

[Paleontology • 1995] Montanazhdarcho minor • an azhdarchid pterosaur from the Two Medicine Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian) of Montana.

The wing skeleton of the Campanian azhdarchid pterosaur Montanazhdarcho minor Vidian et al. 1995 is described and compared to other Cretaceous pterosaurs. It is distinguished from all other known azhdarchids by its small mature size, among other characters. Notable features include elongated cervical vertebrae with weak neural crests, a ring-like pectoral girdle, and an unwarped deltopectoral crest that is 30% of the length of the humerus. The ulna is slightly longer than the wing metacarpal, and the articular surface of the radius lacks a central pneumatic foramen. The wing metacarpal has a rounded dorsal condyle but there is no median ridge between the distal condyles. The mandible is edentulous, further support is given to the reduced distal expansion of the deltopectoral crest as an azhdarchid svnapomorphv. 

http://www.palaeocritti.com/by-group/pterosauria/Montanazhdarcho

Padian, K., Horner, J.R., and de Ricqlès, A.J. 1993. A new azhdarchid pterosaur from the Two Medicine Formation (Late Cretaceous, Campanian) of Montana, identified on the basis of bone histology. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 13: 52A

K. Padian, A. J. de Ricqlès, and J. R. Horner. 1995. Bone histology determines identification of a new fossil taxon of pterosaur (Reptilia: Archosauria). Comptes Rendus de l’Academie des Science, Serie II (320): 77-84.

McGowen, M.R.; Padian, K.; de Sosa, M.A.; Harmon, R.J. 2002. Description of Montanazhdarcho minor, an azhdarchid pterosaur from the Two Medicine Formation (Campanian) of Montana. PaleoBios. 22 (1): 1–9.

http://bigcat.fhsu.edu/biology/cbennett/bib-arch-pter/McGowen-etal-2002.pdf

[Paleontology • 2002] Pterorhynchus wellnhoferi • A new rhamphorhynchoid pterosaur with a headcrest and complex integumentary structures

illustration: http://dinomaniac.deviantart.com/gallery/

Pterorhynchus wellnhoferi  

The type species is Pterorhynchus wellnhoferi. The genus name is derived from Greek pteron, "wing" and rhynchos, "snout", in reference to the tall crest on the head. The specific name honours the German pterosaur researcher Peter Wellnhofer.

http://whenpigsfly-returns.blogspot.com/2009/10/darwinopterus-germanodactylus-and.html

http://biogeocarlos.blogspot.com/2009/07/paleoarte-de-ville-sinkkonen.html

http://archosaurian.deviantart.com/art/Pterorhynchus-wellnhoferi-141960723

http://qilong.wordpress.com/2009/10/22/some-thoughts-on-darwinopterus/

Czerkas, S.A., and Ji, Q. 2002. A new rhamphorhynchoid with a headcrest and complex integumentary structures. In: Czerkas, S.J. (Ed.). Feathered Dinosaurs and the Origin of Flight. The Dinosaur Museum: Blanding, Utah, 15-41. ISBN 1-932075-01-1.

[Paleontology • 2002] Austriadactylus cristatus • A crested rhamphorhynchoid pterosaur from the Late Triassic of Austria

Austriadactylus cristatus (Dalla Vecchia et al. 2002) Norian, Late Triassic, ~210 mya, was the largest known Triassic pterosaur. Derived from a sister to Raeticodactylus, Austriadactylus was a phylogenetic predecessor to the much smaller Austriadactylus from Italy (SC 332466).

http://www.reptileevolution.com/austriadactylus-austrian.htm

http://www.palaeocritti.com/by-group/pterosauria/austriadactylus

Dalla Vecchia FM, Wild R, Hopf H and Reitner J 2002. A crested rhamphorhynchoid pterosaur from the Late Triassic of Austria, Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, 22 (1): 196-199.

http://jstor.org/stable/10.2307/4524213

http://publicationslist.org/fabio.dalla_vecchia