PDF] Comments on the Pteranodontidae (Pterosauria, Pterodactyloidea) with the description of two new species.

Based on several cranial features, some specimens previously referred to the genus Pteranodon are re-evaluated leading to the recognition of the following species, two of which new that are described here: PTeranodon longiceps, Geosternbergia sternbergi, Geosterbergia maiseyi sp. Considered one of the best known flying reptiles, Pteranodon has been subject to several reviews in the last century. Found exclusively in the Upper Cretaceous Niobrara Formation and Pierre Shale Group 11 species have been attributed to this genus (excluding the ones presently regarded as representing Nyctosaurus). While reviewers agree that this number is inflated, there is disagreement on how many species can be identified. The last review recognized only two species (Pteranodon longiceps and Pteranodon sternbergi) both being sexually dimorphic. Based on several cranial features, some specimens previously referred to the genus Pteranodon are re-evaluated leading to the recognition of the following species, two of which new that are described here: Pteranodon longiceps, Geosternbergia sternbergi, Geosternbergia maiseyi sp. nov., and Dawndraco kanzai gen. et sp. nov. They differ mainly by features such as the direction and extension of the frontal crest, the angle and extension of the posterior process of the premaxillae, the shape and extension of the lower temporal fenestra and the length and proportion of the rostrum. The procedures to recognize a pterosaur species are also discussed here, and must take into account primarily morphology, in conjunction with stratigraphic and geographic data. Although well aware that changes in morphology not always reflect taxonomy, the lack of stratigraphic data and the limited number of specimens that can be confidently assigned to one species hampers our understanding on the morphological variations as a function of ontogeny, individual variation and sexual dimorphism. Although the present study has not eliminated the possibility to recognize such differences, caution is needed before models are generalized for pterosaurs.

A large pteranodontid pterosaur from the Late Cretaceous of Eastern Europe, Geological Magazine

SciELO - Brasil - A taxonomic approach on diagnostic characters used to define new pterosaur taxa and an estimation of pterosaur diversity A taxonomic approach on diagnostic characters used to define new

Pteranodon sternbergi - Wikipedia

Full article: Morphology and taxonomy of Quetzalcoatlus Lawson 1975 ( Pterodactyloidea: Azhdarchoidea)

New smallest specimen of the pterosaur Pteranodon and ontogenetic niches in pterosaurs, Journal of Paleontology

Pterosaur - Wikipedia

Cervical vertebrae of an enigmatic pterosaur from the Crato Formation (Lower Cretaceous, Araripe Basin, NE Brazil)

An Early Cretaceous pterosaur with an unusual mandibular crest from China and a potential novel feeding strategy

Pterosaur - Wikipedia

New smallest specimen of the pterosaur Pteranodon and ontogenetic niches in pterosaurs, Journal of Paleontology

PDF) New pterosaur material from the Upper Jurassic of Tendaguru (Tanzania), Africa

New smallest specimen of the pterosaur Pteranodon and ontogenetic niches in pterosaurs, Journal of Paleontology

PDF] Comments on Triassic pterosaurs with discussion about ontogeny and description of new taxa.

An Early Cretaceous pterosaur with an unusual mandibular crest from China and a potential novel feeding strategy