Martill D M, Frey E, Bell
C M, and Chong Diaz G. 2006
Ctenochasmatid pterosaurs from Early Cretaceous deposits in Chile,
Cretaceous Research, Vol 27,
Issue 5, October 2006, Pages 603-610
Abstract:
Fragmentary pterosaur remains from the Early Cretaceous Quebrada Monardes
Formation of northern Chile are assigned to Ctenochasmatidae. Although not
immediately referable to recognised genera, they differ from other South
American occurrences of ctenochasmids and appear to share features of the
dentition with Ctenochasma and Gnathosaurus from Late Jurassic
deposits in Europe. A slightly spatulate rostrum may hint at affinities with
the gnathosaurine ctenochasmatid Gnathosaurus. The presence of a
possible gnathosaurine in South America is further evidence for a Hispanic
corridor allowing faunal interchange between South America and Eurasia
during the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous.
Keywords: Pterosauria; Ctenochasmatidae; Chile; Early Cretaceous