Re: How to Build a Pterosaur

[David Peters <davidrpeters@charter.net>]

re:
http://scienceblogs.com/tetrapodzoology/2009/08/mark_wittons_secret_is_out.php

Yes, I see that the azhdarchid neck has gotten shorter since this  
earlier image:

http://darrennaish.blogspot.com/2006/04/why-azhdarchids-were-giant-storks_03.html

The dinosaur in the beak seems to refer to this paper:
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0002271

Any studies on weight-bearing ability in azhdarchid beaks? Be fitting  
that a pterosaur bit a dinosaur after the turnabout here:
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v430/n6995/full/430033a.html

Still wondering why the wing planform is so deep,  when lots of  
similar Pterodactylus specimens seem to make their wing membranes  
essentially disappear when folded?

Also, from the same paper,
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0002271
Figure 3, which of these three pterosaur dentaries does not fit?

Minor griping aside, hat's off to Mark and Co. for bringing pterosaurs  
to life! Similar plans are afoot here in the States.

David Peters
St. Louis