Sinopterus holotype chemical analysis + Cretaceous pterosaurs of Araripe Basin + Tupandactylus cranial morphology (free pdfs)
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Ben Creisler
Nov 17, 2025, 4:08:09 PM (10 days ago) Nov 17
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Ben Creisler
Free pdf:
https://www.scielo.br/j/aabc/a/mpZLKtNgnHySv3QLdKTdCwc/?format=pdf&lang=en
The Early Cretaceous pterosaur Sinopterus atavismus, from Northeast China, belongs to the Tapejaridae. The furrowed structure of its wing phalanges is relatively primitive, possibly indicative of atavism. New information of Sinopterus atavismus is therefore of great interest in studies of evolution among Tapejaridae, especially for interpreting some anatomical features of the holotype. In this paper, the distribution patterns and characteristics of chemical elements in the holotype specimen were analyzed by non-destructive micro-X-ray fluorescence (micro-XRF). The chemical mapping results show that the element Ca was significantly associated with pterosaur bones, showing residual traces of the left lower part of the humerus; Sr replaced Ca and the distribution was uniform, suggesting that phosphate recrystallization occurred in the specimen; Fe is concentrated in the soft tissue parts of the pterosaur fossil, which may be related to pyritization, and Mn appears as the alteration phase of the original iron-rich phase. The elemental migration and sedimentary environment of the fossil require further study. The XRF elemental imaging study of Sinopterus atavismus is helpful for explorations of the development and evolution of Tapejaridae, and also provides more chemical information on the taphonomy of the Jehol Biota.
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Free pdf:
Felipe L. Pinheiro, Alexander W.A. Kellner, João L. Da Silva, Rudah R.C. Duque, Juliana M. Sayão, Esaú V. De Araújo, Fabiana R. Costa, Richard Buchmann, Gabriela M. Cerqueira, Lucas Canejo, Victor Beccari, Renan A.M. Bantim, Borja Holgado & Rubi V. Pêgas (2025)
Cretaceous Pterosaurs of the Araripe Basin: A Comprehensive Taxonomic
Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências 97(Suppl. 1): e20250622
doi: https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765202520250622
https://www.scielo.br/j/aabc/a/xNmRx7Lm5MCVmzSJC3Nc7CL/abstract/?lang=en
Free pdf:
https://www.scielo.br/j/aabc/a/xNmRx7Lm5MCVmzSJC3Nc7CL/?format=pdf&lang=en
More than fifty years after the first discoveries of pterosaurs in the Araripe Basin, this sedimentary unit remains one of the most informative windows into the diversity and biology of these fantastic flying reptiles. With dozens of proposed species from two different Lagerstätten, the exceptional preservation of Araripe fossils offers a detailed view of the anatomy, function, and ecology of Cretaceous pterosaurs. These fossils reveal complex faunal assemblages populated by these animals, providing rare snapshots of ancient ecosystems. Today, Araripe pterosaur diversity appears to have reached a plateau, with fewer new taxa and more specimens assigned to known species. This situation calls for a comprehensive reassessment of Araripe pterosaur diversity. Here, we present an in-depth, richly illustrated taxonomic review of all taxa proposed for the basin, along with a synthesis of available paleobiological data. This work aims to establish a solid foundation for future research and proposes guidelines for advancing our understanding of Araripe pterosaurs, especially from biostratigraphic and paleoecological perspectives—areas severely affected by the ongoing threat of illegal collecting and fossil trade.
====
Free pdf:
Lucas Canejo, Juliana M. Sayão & Alexander W.A. Kellner (2025)
Exploring the complex cranial morphology of Tupandactylus imperator (Pterodactyloidea, Tapejaridae) based on a new specimen
Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências 97(Suppl. 1): e20250756
doi: https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765202520250756
https://www.scielo.br/j/aabc/a/6HvMmqXH7NmGvSHfrY7spjQ/abstract/?lang=en
Free pdf:
https://www.scielo.br/j/aabc/a/6HvMmqXH7NmGvSHfrY7spjQ/?format=pdf&lang=en
Tupandactylus imperator, a striking tapejarid pterosaur from the Lower Cretaceous (Aptian) Crato Formation (Araripe Basin), is renowned for its extraordinary cranial crest, one of the proportionally largest among pterosaurs and, indeed, also among all living and extinct vertebrates. This species is known from six specimens, showing different degrees of completeness. Here we describe a new material (MN 7852-V) that represents the most complete skull and articulated lower jaw of Tupandactylus imperator to date, presenting an exceptionally well-preserved cranial crest composed of bone and extensive soft-tissue. Uniquely, the soft-tissue portion of the crest has a sinuous dorsoposterior margin, contrasting with previously reconstructions that suggested a convex or concave profile. The new specimen also shows several new anatomical features such as a free descending process of the nasal and several unfused elements of the lower jaw. It further displays a well-developed dentary crest and a pronounced retroarticular process, differing from previous interpretations. The specimen also displays plant material in direct contact with the mandible, which may be taphonomic or could tentatively be seen as an indication of a herbivorous feeding habit for this species.
New papers:
Free pdf:
Xiangwan Lu, Fangfang Teng, Yingyu Chen, Xin Cheng, Xiaobo Li & Robert Reisz (2025)
Micro-XRF chemical elementary analysis on the holotype of Sinopterus atavismus Lü, Teng, Sun, Shen, Li, Gao, Liu, 2016 (Pterodactyloidea, Tapejaridae)
Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências 97(Suppl. 1): e20250436
doi: https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765202520250436
https://www.scielo.br/j/aabc/a/mpZLKtNgnHySv3QLdKTdCwc/abstract/?lang=en
Xiangwan Lu, Fangfang Teng, Yingyu Chen, Xin Cheng, Xiaobo Li & Robert Reisz (2025)
Micro-XRF chemical elementary analysis on the holotype of Sinopterus atavismus Lü, Teng, Sun, Shen, Li, Gao, Liu, 2016 (Pterodactyloidea, Tapejaridae)
Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências 97(Suppl. 1): e20250436
doi: https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765202520250436
https://www.scielo.br/j/aabc/a/mpZLKtNgnHySv3QLdKTdCwc/abstract/?lang=en
Free pdf:
https://www.scielo.br/j/aabc/a/mpZLKtNgnHySv3QLdKTdCwc/?format=pdf&lang=en
The Early Cretaceous pterosaur Sinopterus atavismus, from Northeast China, belongs to the Tapejaridae. The furrowed structure of its wing phalanges is relatively primitive, possibly indicative of atavism. New information of Sinopterus atavismus is therefore of great interest in studies of evolution among Tapejaridae, especially for interpreting some anatomical features of the holotype. In this paper, the distribution patterns and characteristics of chemical elements in the holotype specimen were analyzed by non-destructive micro-X-ray fluorescence (micro-XRF). The chemical mapping results show that the element Ca was significantly associated with pterosaur bones, showing residual traces of the left lower part of the humerus; Sr replaced Ca and the distribution was uniform, suggesting that phosphate recrystallization occurred in the specimen; Fe is concentrated in the soft tissue parts of the pterosaur fossil, which may be related to pyritization, and Mn appears as the alteration phase of the original iron-rich phase. The elemental migration and sedimentary environment of the fossil require further study. The XRF elemental imaging study of Sinopterus atavismus is helpful for explorations of the development and evolution of Tapejaridae, and also provides more chemical information on the taphonomy of the Jehol Biota.
=====
Free pdf:
Felipe L. Pinheiro, Alexander W.A. Kellner, João L. Da Silva, Rudah R.C. Duque, Juliana M. Sayão, Esaú V. De Araújo, Fabiana R. Costa, Richard Buchmann, Gabriela M. Cerqueira, Lucas Canejo, Victor Beccari, Renan A.M. Bantim, Borja Holgado & Rubi V. Pêgas (2025)
Cretaceous Pterosaurs of the Araripe Basin: A Comprehensive Taxonomic
Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências 97(Suppl. 1): e20250622
doi: https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765202520250622
https://www.scielo.br/j/aabc/a/xNmRx7Lm5MCVmzSJC3Nc7CL/abstract/?lang=en
Free pdf:
https://www.scielo.br/j/aabc/a/xNmRx7Lm5MCVmzSJC3Nc7CL/?format=pdf&lang=en
More than fifty years after the first discoveries of pterosaurs in the Araripe Basin, this sedimentary unit remains one of the most informative windows into the diversity and biology of these fantastic flying reptiles. With dozens of proposed species from two different Lagerstätten, the exceptional preservation of Araripe fossils offers a detailed view of the anatomy, function, and ecology of Cretaceous pterosaurs. These fossils reveal complex faunal assemblages populated by these animals, providing rare snapshots of ancient ecosystems. Today, Araripe pterosaur diversity appears to have reached a plateau, with fewer new taxa and more specimens assigned to known species. This situation calls for a comprehensive reassessment of Araripe pterosaur diversity. Here, we present an in-depth, richly illustrated taxonomic review of all taxa proposed for the basin, along with a synthesis of available paleobiological data. This work aims to establish a solid foundation for future research and proposes guidelines for advancing our understanding of Araripe pterosaurs, especially from biostratigraphic and paleoecological perspectives—areas severely affected by the ongoing threat of illegal collecting and fossil trade.
====
Free pdf:
Lucas Canejo, Juliana M. Sayão & Alexander W.A. Kellner (2025)
Exploring the complex cranial morphology of Tupandactylus imperator (Pterodactyloidea, Tapejaridae) based on a new specimen
Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências 97(Suppl. 1): e20250756
doi: https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765202520250756
https://www.scielo.br/j/aabc/a/6HvMmqXH7NmGvSHfrY7spjQ/abstract/?lang=en
Free pdf:
https://www.scielo.br/j/aabc/a/6HvMmqXH7NmGvSHfrY7spjQ/?format=pdf&lang=en
Tupandactylus imperator, a striking tapejarid pterosaur from the Lower Cretaceous (Aptian) Crato Formation (Araripe Basin), is renowned for its extraordinary cranial crest, one of the proportionally largest among pterosaurs and, indeed, also among all living and extinct vertebrates. This species is known from six specimens, showing different degrees of completeness. Here we describe a new material (MN 7852-V) that represents the most complete skull and articulated lower jaw of Tupandactylus imperator to date, presenting an exceptionally well-preserved cranial crest composed of bone and extensive soft-tissue. Uniquely, the soft-tissue portion of the crest has a sinuous dorsoposterior margin, contrasting with previously reconstructions that suggested a convex or concave profile. The new specimen also shows several new anatomical features such as a free descending process of the nasal and several unfused elements of the lower jaw. It further displays a well-developed dentary crest and a pronounced retroarticular process, differing from previous interpretations. The specimen also displays plant material in direct contact with the mandible, which may be taphonomic or could tentatively be seen as an indication of a herbivorous feeding habit for this species.
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