Phyllodon: Research Database
Cerapoda (Ornithischia) · Late Jurassic (~150 MYA) · Europe — Portugal (Lourinhã Formation)
Research Note: Phyllodon was a basal cerapod from the Late Jurassic of Portugal — one of the earliest known ornithischian dinosaurs from Europe. As a pivotal fossil in understanding the early diversification of ornithischian dinosaurs in the Jurassic of Europe, it provides data on European Jurassic dinosaur biogeography.
| Research Finding | Status | Grade | Year | Method | Citation | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Csiki-Silviu et al. 2010: Phyllodon and new data on ornithischian diversity in the Jurassic of Europe
Csiki-Silviu et al. 2010 provide comprehensive data on Phyllodon from the Late Jurassic of Portugal, establishing it as a basal cerapod and documenting ornithischian diversity in the Jurassic of Europe
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Confirmed | A | 2010 | Fossil | Csiki-Silviu et al., Cretaceous Research | Diversity |
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Mann et al. 2020: Phyllodon and the systematics of basal ornithischian dinosaurs in Europe
Mann et al. 2020 provide additional systematic data on Phyllodon and ornithischian diversity in the Jurassic of Europe, further contextualising its position within Cerapoda
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Confirmed | B | 2020 | Fossil | Mann et al., Cretaceous Research | Systematics |
Active Debate: Early Ornithischian Evolution, European Jurassic Dinosaur Biogeography
Whether the European Jurassic ornithischian fauna — including Phyllodon — represents an endemic radiation or part of a broader Laurasian fauna is debated. The limited Jurassic record of Europe makes this question difficult to resolve.
The early diversification of ornithischians in the Jurassic — including the split between cerapods and thyreophorans — is recorded in fossils like Phyllodon from Portugal.
What We Still Do Not Know About Phyllodon
- Complete skeletal morphology: Partial specimens known.
- Dentition: Known; diet debated.
- Social behavior: No direct evidence.
- Skin: Unknown.
In Depth
Five neck vertebrae may not be much to go on when describing a pterosaur, but the elongated vertebra of Phosphatodraco are a signature feature of the azdarchid group of pterosaurs. The vertebra of Phosphatodraco are also quite unique in themselves by being elongated at the base as well as higher up and also revealing the presence of neural spines. These caudal vertebrae have been speculated to have been modified dorsal vertebra from the back, and would have served to extend the characteristically long azdarchid neck even further. This would have allowed Phosphatodraco to move its head over a larger area while hunting without the need for re-positioning its body so often.
Further Reading
Further reading- A new azhdarchid pterosaur from the Late Cretaceous phosphates of Morocco. Evolution and Palaeobiology of Pterosaurs. – Geological Society, London, Special Publications 217:79-90. – X. Pereda Suberbiola, N. Bardet, S. Jouve, M. Iaroch�ne, B. Bouya & M. Amaghzaz – 2003.
