Azhdarcho: Research Database
Azhdarchidae (Pterosauria) · Late Cretaceous (~70 MYA) · Asia — Uzbekistan (Naveshnak Formation)
Research Note: Azhdarcho is an important fossil taxon. See citations below for primary research literature.
| Research Finding | Status | Grade | Year | Method | Citation | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Averianov 2010: Comprehensive review of azhdarchid pterosaur diversity from the Cretaceous of Central Asia, including Azhdarcho
Averianov 2010 published in Proceedings of the Zoological Institute provides foundational data on Azhdarcho
|
Confirmed | A | 2010 | Fossil | Azhdarcho research in Proceedings of the Zoological Institute | Taxonomy |
|
Martill & Ibrahim 2014: New data on azhdarchid pterosaur ecology and flight capability
Martill & Ibrahim 2014 published in Cretaceous Research provides additional data on Azhdarcho
|
Confirmed | B | 2014 | Fossil | Azhdarcho research in Cretaceous Research | Systematics |
Active Debate
Active research continues on the systematics, phylogeny, and ecology of Azhdarcho.
What We Still Do Not Know About Azhdarcho
- Colouration: Unknown.
- Complete skeleton: Partial material known.
- Diet: Inferred from related taxa.
- Social structure: No direct evidence.
In Depth
The western word for naming a genus dragon is ‘draco’, in China its ‘long’, but Azhdarcho is the Uzbek word for such a mythical beast. Azhdarcho is also the centre for the azdarchid line of pterosaurs. The azhdarchids are known for having long necks, the result of neck vertebrae that are longer in other pterosaurs. These long necks are thought to have enabled pterosaurs like Azhdarcho to live like modern storks. This would mean Azhdarcho either taking up position in the shallows and stalking fish, or walking through long grass and snapping up lizards.
Further Reading
– The osteology of Azhdarcho lancicollis Nessov, 1984 (Pterosauria, Azhdarchidae) from the Late Cretaceous of Uzbekistan. – Proceedings of the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. 314 (3): 246–317. – A. O. Averianov – 2010.
