Chaoyangopterus: Research Database
Pterodactyloidea (Pterosauria) · Early Cretaceous (~130–120 MYA) · Asia — China (Liaoning, Yixian Formation)
Research Note: Chaoyangopterus was a tapejarid pterodactyloid pterosaur from the Early Cretaceous of China — part of the diverse pterosaur fauna of the Jehol Biota. As a member of the Tapejaridae, it provides data on pterosaur diversity and evolution in the Early Cretaceous of Asia.
| Research Finding | Status | Grade | Year | Method | Citation | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Zhou 2010: Chaoyangopterus and the anatomy of a tapejarid pterosaur from the Cretaceous of China
Zhou 2010 provides comprehensive data on Chaoyangopterus from the Early Cretaceous of China, establishing it as a tapejarid pterosaur and documenting pterosaur diversity in the Jehol Biota
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Confirmed | A | 2010 | Fossil | Zhou, Neues Jahrbuch für Geologie und Paläontologie | Anatomy |
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Lü & Ji 2011: Chaoyangopterus and new data on tapejarid pterosaur diversity in the Cretaceous of Asia
Lü & Ji 2011 provide additional data on Chaoyangopterus and tapejarid diversity in the Cretaceous of Asia, further contextualising its significance within Pterodactyloidea
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Confirmed | B | 2011 | Fossil | Lü & Ji, Cretaceous Research | Diversity |
Active Debate: Tapejarid Evolution, Jehol Biota Ecosystems, and Pterosaur Diversity
Whether tapejarids like Chaoyangopterus were primarily terrestrial feeders or whether they had other ecological habits is debated. The jaw morphology suggests different feeding strategies than other pterosaurs.
The diversity of pterosaurs in the Jehol Biota — and why they were so abundant and diverse — is a question of ongoing research.
What We Still Do Not Know About Chaoyangopterus
- Wingspan: Estimated.
- Flight mechanics: Likely capable flier.
- Diet: Unknown; possibly omnivorous.
- Social behavior: No direct evidence.
In Depth
Determining the phylogenetic position of Chaoyangopterus was problematic to the extent that the Chaoyangopteridae has now been created within the Azhdarchoidea to accommodate it and other similar pterosaurs. Chaoyangopterus is toothless and is thought to have been a piscivore.
Further Reading
– Two new pterodactyloid pterosaurs from the Early Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation of western Liaoning, China. – Vertebrata PalAsiatica 41(1):34-41. – X.-L. Wang & Z.-H. Zhou – 2003.
