re: Ornithocheirus synonyms

[david peters <davidrpeters@earthlink.net>]

I am also wondering about the various junior synonyms, etc. regarding various 
specimens of Ornithocheirus. It is perplexing.

Part of the answer seems to be that there is a spectrum of variety out there as 
one rostral morphology blends into another. Could make for some interesting 
cladistic work. 

All of the specimens with a slight lateral expansion, or spoonbill, appear to 
be related. All of the specimens with small teeth appear to be related. All of 
the specimens with bigger premaxillary teeth than maxillary teeth appear to be 
related. The rostral crests mix in with these subsets, though apparently they 
are not gender-based.

I didn't see O. cuvieri BMNH 39409 on M. Mortimer's list. Is it distinct in 
having a narrow, non-spatulate rostrum and a slight crest? Or does it too have 
a precedent?

David Peters
St. Louis