New anatomical information onDsungaripterus weiiYoung, 1964 with focus on the palatal region

Abstract

Pterosaur specimens with complete and well-preserved palatal region are rare. Here we describe new and previously collected specimens of the pterodactyloid pterosaur Dsungaripterus weii that are three-dimensionally preserved and provide new anatomical information for this species. Among the unique features is a lateral process of the pterygoid divided into two parts: an anterior thin, parabolic arc shaped element that separates the secondary subtemporal and the subtemporal fenestrae, followed by a dorsoventrally flattened portion that is directed inside the subtemporal fenestrae. The interpterygoid fenestrae join forming an irregular oval shape with two symmetrical posterior notches and a smooth anterior margin. Among all pterosaurs where the palate is known, the posterior configuration of the palate of D. weii is similar to some azhdarchoids, which is consistent with the suggested phylogenetic position of the Dsungaripteridae as closely related to the Azhdarchoidea. Furthermore, we identify symmetrical grooves on the lateral surface of the upper and lower jaws, that likely represent the impression of the edge of a keratinous sheath that would cover the upturned toothless rostrum during foraging activity, most likely consisting of hard elements, as has been previously assumed. Wear facets on the teeth also support this feeding mode.

The first record of exceptionally-preserved spiral coprolites from the Tsagan-Tsab formation (lower cretaceous), Tatal, western Mongolia

“…Such problems similarly arose in our context as well, and the materials were collected from a stratum that were interpreted as lake deposit margins, thus, suggesting an amphibious or aquatic producer. The paleoenvironment correlates with the findings of pterosaur fossils such as the Noripterus 44 or argued as ‘ Phobetor ’ 56 , and the diets of these pterosaurs were dependable on the lake environment 57 – 60 . Above all, and more importantly, that the shape of the coprolite has to be intact in order to represent the shape of the internal intestine of the producer, whereby, anatomically it can lead to a certain biological aspect and digestive system of the organism.…”

Evidence for tactile foraging in pterosaurs: a sensitive tip to the beak of Lonchodraco giganteus (Pterosauria, Lonchodectidae) from the Upper Cretaceous of southern England

“…4C, D). Rostral foramina have also been reported in the dsungaripterid Dsungaripterus weii (Chen et al, 2020) (Fig. 4E).…”

The first record of exceptionally-preserved spiral coprolites from the Tsagan-Tsab Formation (Lower Cretaceous), Tatal, western Mongolia

“…Such problems similarly arose in our context as well, and the materials were collected from a stratum that is interpreted as lake deposit margins, thus suggesting an amphibious or aquatic producer. The paleoenvironment correlates with the ndings of pterosaur fossils such as the Noripterus 39 or argued as 'Phobetor' 48 , the diets of these pterosaurs were dependable on the lake environment 49,50,51,52 . Among all, and more importantly, is that the shape of the coprolite has to be intact in order to represent the shape of the internal intestine of the producer, whereby, anatomically it can lead to a certain biological aspect and digestive system of the organism.…”