The cross-section and surface structures of wing membranes from the ctenochasmatid pterosaur Beipiaopterus chenianus were observed through a scanning electron microscope （SEM）. The results show that the wing membran...The cross-section and surface structures of wing membranes from the ctenochasmatid pterosaur Beipiaopterus chenianus were observed through a scanning electron microscope （SEM）. The results show that the wing membrane contains a high density of blood vessels, implying strong thermoregulatory function, similar to that of a bat wing membrane. This is the first comparison of the microstmctures of pterosaur wing membranes with those of the modem bat. It is inferred that a bat-like physiology exists, at least in relatively small pterosaurs suggesting that these pterosaurs were warm-blooded, active fliers.展开更多
An incomplete specimen of Sinosauropteryx prima collected from the Early Cretaceous Yixian Formation of the Dawangzhangzi area in Lingyuan, western Liaoning is depicted. It represents the first systematically describe...An incomplete specimen of Sinosauropteryx prima collected from the Early Cretaceous Yixian Formation of the Dawangzhangzi area in Lingyuan, western Liaoning is depicted. It represents the first systematically described material of this feathered compsognathid outside the Sihetun area in Beipiao. This specimen shows some diagnostic features of Sinosauropteryx prima, such as the very short forelimb in relation to hindlimb with the length ratio of humerus plus radius to femur plus tibia just around 30%, and the long and massive first manual ungual subequal in length to radius. The presence of Sinosauropteryx prima only at Sihetun and Dawangzhangzi supports the suggestion that the fossil-bearing beds in the Sihetun and Dawangzhangzi areas are equivalent to each other within the Yixian Formation.展开更多
基金This work is supported by the National Key Basic Research and Development Program(Grant 2006CB701405)China Geological Survey(Grant 200413000024).
文摘The cross-section and surface structures of wing membranes from the ctenochasmatid pterosaur Beipiaopterus chenianus were observed through a scanning electron microscope （SEM）. The results show that the wing membrane contains a high density of blood vessels, implying strong thermoregulatory function, similar to that of a bat wing membrane. This is the first comparison of the microstmctures of pterosaur wing membranes with those of the modem bat. It is inferred that a bat-like physiology exists, at least in relatively small pterosaurs suggesting that these pterosaurs were warm-blooded, active fliers.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant no.49622008)the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Project,grant no.2006CB701405)
文摘An incomplete specimen of Sinosauropteryx prima collected from the Early Cretaceous Yixian Formation of the Dawangzhangzi area in Lingyuan, western Liaoning is depicted. It represents the first systematically described material of this feathered compsognathid outside the Sihetun area in Beipiao. This specimen shows some diagnostic features of Sinosauropteryx prima, such as the very short forelimb in relation to hindlimb with the length ratio of humerus plus radius to femur plus tibia just around 30%, and the long and massive first manual ungual subequal in length to radius. The presence of Sinosauropteryx prima only at Sihetun and Dawangzhangzi supports the suggestion that the fossil-bearing beds in the Sihetun and Dawangzhangzi areas are equivalent to each other within the Yixian Formation.
