Marie-Céline Buchy

New specimens of Pterosauria (Reptilia) with soft parts with implications for pterosaurian anatomy and locomotion

Abstract New specimens of pterosaurs with soft-part preservation from the Solnhofen Lithographic Limestone (S Germany) and the Crato Formation (northeastern Brazil) yield hitherto unknown and unexpected details of pterosaur anatomy: the presence and internal anatomy of softtissue crests, the internal anatomy of the brachiopatagium, including a blood vessel system and structural details of foot and hand. Some consequences for pterosaurian flight, thermoregulation and aspects of evolution are discussed.

A new crested ornithocheirid from the Lower Cretaceous of northeastern Brazil and the unusual death of an unusual pterosaur

Abstract An exceptionally well-preserved cranium and mandible of a new species of pterodactyloid pterosaur from the Nova Olinda Member of the Crato Formation (Aptian, Early Cretaceious) of the Araripe Basin, northeastern Brazil, is described. The new taxon is characterized by the presence of a caudally directed parietal crest similar to that seen in pteranodontids, but is referred to the Ornithocheiridae of the Ornithocheiroidea. The specimen is referred to a new genus within the Ornithocheiridae, as it lacks the diagnostic rostral crest and instead possesses this parietal crest oriented. A lanceolate leaf with frayed distal end wedged between the mandibular rami suggests the cause of death for the specimen.

A new species of tapejarid pterosaur with soft-tissue head crest

Abstract Two specimens of a tapejarid pterosaur (Pterodactyloidea, Tapejaridae) are described as representing a new species. Both specimens show evidence for soft tissues preserved in association with a sagittal bony cranial crest. Both specimens are from the Nova Olinda Member Konservat Lagerstätte of the Crato Formation of the Araripe Basin, northeastern Brazil. They represent the second tapejarid species from this formation. Comparisons are made with other crested pterosaurs and comments on the utility and aerodynamics of pterosaurian head crests are made.

First occurrence of a gigantic pliosaurid plesiosaur in the late Jurassic (Kimmeridgian) of Mexico

Reinvestigation of a partial vertebral column from the Kimmeridgian La Caja Formation of Mexico, housed in the University of Linares (Mexico), and previously attributed to a dinosaur, proves to be from a very large pliosaurid plesiosaur. This specimen represents the first plesiosaur described from the Jurassic of Mexico. Its length has been estimated at 15 metres and, as a juvenile, is considered to be one of the largest Jurassic marine reptiles. The remains of this animal are here described. The morphology of the vertebral column is not diagnostic beyond family level. Large pliosaur vertebrae of a similar size are known from the Upper Jurassic of Europe, and are often referred to the genera Liopleurodon or Simolestes but these identifications are based only upon the size of the centra and have no taxonomic justification. A portion of rostrum with teeth was discovered together with the vertebral column but is unfortunately now lost. The Mexican pliosaur fills geographical and chronological gaps between western Tethys and South American pliosaurs, and is an additional support to the hypothesis of a Hispanic corridor linking at least temporarily the NW European marine province with the western South American marine (Pacific) realm during the late Jurassic.

Annotated catalogue of marine squamates (Reptilia) from the Upper Cretaceous of northeastern Mexico

Recent work in the Upper Cretaceous of northeastern Mexico has produced a diversity of vertebrate remains. For specimens referable to Squamata, both old and new, an annotated catalogue is here provided, wherein are summarised the geological context and morphological features of each specimen. All specimens appear to represent marine squamates, including an aigialosaur-like reptile preserving integumentary structures, several vertebrae possibly representing mosasauroids, the first Mexican mosasaur known from significant cranial material, an isolated mosasaur mandibular fragment, and the holotype of Amphekepubis johnsoni (considered to belong to Mosasaurus). These discoveries are auspicious and should deepen our understanding of palaeobiogeographic and evolutionary patterns.

Middle- and bottom-decker Cretaceous pterosaurs: unique designs in active flying vertebrates

Abstract Among Pterosauria there are three types of scapulocoracoid construction. In the ornithocheirid scapulocoracoid the scapula is oriented almost horizontally; it is shorter than the coracoid and the glenoid fossa is level with the ventral margin of the vertebral column. In the azhdarchid scapulocoracoid the scapula is curved ventrally and is as long as the coracoid. In this construction the glenoid fossa lies approximately in the mid-horizontal plane of the chest. In the tapejaroid construction, the scapula is about one-third longer than the coracoid, which is oriented subhorizontally, and the glenoid fossa is level with the dorsal rim of the sternal plate. Both latter conditions are hitherto unknown among flying vertebrates and result in an unstable, but manoeuvrable flight, probably powered with wing beats.