Huanhepterus

Huan-hep-teh-rus.
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Emerson Winslow

Paleoichthyologist

Emerson Winslow delves into the underwater world of prehistoric fish, uncovering the mysteries of early marine life. His discoveries have enhanced understanding of vertebrate evolution in aquatic environments.

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Name

Huanhepterus (Huanh wing).

Phonetic

Huan-hep-teh-rus.

Named By

Dong - 1982.

Classification

Chordata, Reptilia, Pterosauria, Pterodactyloidea, Ctenochasmatoidea, Ctenochasmatidae, Gnathosaurinae.

Diet

Filter feeder.

Species

H. quingyangensis

Size

Estimated at 2.5 meters long.

Known locations

China, Gansu Province - Huachihuanhe Formation.

Time Period

Late Jurassic.

Fossil representation

One articulated skeleton of partial remains.

In Depth

       The type specimen of Huanhepterus was discovered when it was exposed after a quarry side was blasted by explosives. Unfortunately this blast also destroyed the right hand side of the specimen. Huanhepterus was placed within the Ctenochasmatoidea group of pterosaurs because of the large number of slender teeth, and for this reason Huanhepterus has been presumed to be a filter feeder.

Further Reading

– On a new Pterosauria (Huanhepterus quingyangensis gen. et sp. nov.) from Ordos, China. – Vertebrata PalAsiatica 20(2):115-121. – Z. Dong – 1982.

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT