Eudimorphodon ranzii (Zambelli 1973) Upper Norian, Late Triassic, ~203 mya [MCSNB 2888] was the first Triassic pterosaur discovered. Many other pterosaurs have been referred to this genus, but few actually belong to it. Derived from a sister to the most basal pterosaur, MPUM 6009 and the basalmost dimorphodontoid, Raeticodactylus, E. ranzii phylogenetically preceded the very much smaller E. cromptonellus.
Distinct from MPUM 6009, the skull of E. ranzii was longer, narrower and more robust. The occiput slanted more. The jugal was deeper. The naris was larger. The teeth were more distinct from one another with long sharp teeth and short multi-cusped ones. The mandible tip was downturned and had a distinct texture that likely served as the base for a keratinous extension.
The cervicals were all longer and so were the dorsals. The torso and posterior ribs were quite wide and flattened, evidently overhanging the hind limbs, distinct from other pterosaurs, but like Sharovipteryx.
The sternal complex was larger and more rectangular. The scapulocoraocoid was fused and the coracoid was straight. The humerus was much more robust with a longer deltopectoral crest. The pteroid was larger as was the manus. It is doubtful that Eudimorphodon trouched its forelimbs to the substrate, but it would have been an excellent tree grappler.
The pelvis was relatively smalll. The prepubis had a spoon shape. |
