An evaluation of the phylogenetic relationships of the pterosaurs among archosauromorph reptiles

Synopsis The phylogenetic position of pterosaurs among the diapsids has long been a contentious issue. Some recent phylogenetic analyses have deepened the controversy by drawing the pterosaurs down the diapsid tree from their generally recognised position as the sister group of the dinosaur‐omorphs, to lie close to the base of Archosauria or to be the sister group of the protorosaurs. Critical evaluation of the analyses that produced these results suggests that the orthodox position retains far greater support and no close link can be established between pterosaurs and protorosaurs.

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