Ornithostoma: Research Database
Theropoda · Cretaceous · Unknown
Research Note: Ornithostoma was a theropoda from the Cretaceous of Unknown, providing important data on prehistoric life and ecosystem dynamics.
| Research Finding | Status | Grade | Year | Method | Citation | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Smith Martill Unwin 2021: Ornithostoma and related taxa Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association | Confirmed | B | 2021 | Fossil | Smith Martill Unwin, Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association | Taxonomy |
Averianov 2012: Ornithostoma and related taxa Proceedings of the Zoological Institute RAS | Confirmed | C | 2012 | Fossil | Averianov, Proceedings of the Zoological Institute RAS | Taxonomy |
What We Still Do Not Know About Ornithostoma
- Complete skeletal morphology and ecological role.
- Phylogenetic relationships within Theropoda.
- Distribution and evolutionary history.
In Depth
Ornithostoma was once considered to identical to Pteranodon, although modern thinking has it recognised as its own genus. Unfortunately Ornithostoma has suffered from the wastebasket effect with numerous poorly preserved remains being attributed to it.
Although not much is known for certain, the toothless beak of Ornithostoma likely indicates a fish eating piscivorous lifestyle. This notion is reinforced by the fact the Cambridge Greensand is a marine deposit.
Further Reading
– Additional evidence on the structure of the head in ornithosaurs from the Cambridge Upper Greensand; being a supplement to “The Ornithosauria”. – Annals and Magazine of Natural History 7:20-36. – H. G. Seeley – 1871. – Ornithostoma sedgwicki – valid taxon of azhdarchoid pterosaurs. – Proceedings of the Zoological Institute RAS, 316(1): 40–49. – A. O. Averianov – 2012. – Edentulous pterosaurs from the Cambridge Greensand (Cretaceous) of eastern England with a review of Ornithostoma Seeley, 1871. – Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association. – Roy E. Smith, David M. Martill, David M. Unwin & Lorna Steel – 2020.
