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The shape of pterosaur evolution: evidence from the fossil record
G J Dyke1, A J McGowan, R L Nudds
1School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland. gareth.dyke@ucd.ie
Journal of Evolutionary Biology
|February 13, 2009
Summary
The pterosaur fossil record is largely unbiased, but their evolutionary diversification peaked later than expected, particularly in limb disparity during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Vertebrate Zoology
Background:
- Pterosaurs, well-known Mesozoic flying reptiles, lack adequate quantification of their fossil record and evolutionary dynamics.
- Understanding pterosaur evolution is crucial for comprehending vertebrate flight evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the pterosaur fossil record and evolutionary dynamics.
- To investigate patterns of phylogenetic divergence and morphological diversification.
- To compare pterosaur evolution with that of other flying vertebrates, including birds.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a comprehensive dataset of fossil occurrences.
- Correlation of fossil data with taxon-specific limb measurements.
- Application of rarefaction analysis to assess diversity and disparity.
- Comparative analyses with avian evolutionary history.
Main Results:
- Pterosaur specimen ages closely approximate hypothesized phylogenetic divergence patterns.
- The pterosaur fossil record appears unbiased by exceptional preservation sites (lagerstätte).
- Morphological diversification shows strong age bias, with peaks in limb disparity during the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous.
- Pterosaur disparity peaked relatively late in their evolutionary history.
Conclusions:
- The pterosaur fossil record provides a robust, albeit incomplete, view of their evolutionary history.
- Pterosaur morphological diversification dynamics are unique among flying vertebrates, with a late peak in disparity.
- Pterosaur evolution does not appear to have been constrained by the emergence of birds.
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