Dimorphodon macronyx (S/F)

Dimorphodon is a medium-sized species of pterosaur that first originated in the early-to-mid-Jurassic Period, 195 to 190 million years ago. The name Dimorphodon translates to “two-form tooth.” This refers to the animal’s two different varieties of teeth, a trait that is rare among reptiles. Its specific epithet macronyx means “large claw,” referring to the size of the claws on its hands. Discovered at Lyme Regis in the United Kingdom (now a World Heritage Site, known as the Jurassic Coast) in 1828 by fossil collector Mary Anning, Dimorphodon was originally classified under the genus Pterodactylus. The specimen was collected by the paleontologist William Buckland, who gave the reptile its scientific name in 1835. This first fossil consisted of a partial skeleton, lacking the skull; parts of a jaw were found and added to the collection the same year it was given its name. Fossils with skulls included were found by Richard Owen in 1858, and at seeing how different the skulls were from those of Pterodactylus, Owen proposed its current genus name. The reclassification was accepted in 1859.

Remains of this genus are rare, but others have been found. Most are fragmentary; some significant fossils were obtained by the fossil dealer Bryce McMurdo from banks of the Severn River near the Aust Cliff and were eventually acquired by American paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh.

In 1998, a partial skeleton was recovered from the Huizachal Canyon in La Boca Formation, a fossil site in northeastern Mexico, and named by James Clark as a new species: Dimorphodon weintraubi. Its species name was meant to honor Dr. Robert L. Weintraub. This species appeared to be larger than the British D. macronyx, but more recent studies in 2021 identified it as an early relative of the nightjar-like anurognathid pterosaurs and not a species of Dimorphodon after all.

International Genetic Technologies succeeded in obtaining DNA from Dimorphodon prior to 1993, but the viability rate of the species was at 36% at the time of the incident due to the genome’s incomplete status. Over a decade later, InGen’s new parent company Masrani Global Corporation completed the genome and was able to clone the animal. While at the time Dimorphodon weintraubi was considered a legitimate species (and the range of this genus was noted to include Mexico on the park’s official website), since that animal had yet to be discovered at the time InGen originally began sequencing its genome, it is unlikely they would have identified ancient pterosaur DNA from Mexico as Dimorphodon. Of course, there are examples of InGen making paleontological discoveries ahead of the general scientific field, and Masrani Global scientists may have obtained Mexican gene samples to complete the pterosaur’s genome. If the latter is the case, the variety of Dimorphodon created by InGen may be an unintentional genetic chimera.

Description

Compared to InGen’s other pterosaur species, Pteranodon, the Dimorphodon is comparatively small. It grows to 2.3 meters (8ft) long including the tail, weighing three to eleven pounds (1.3 to 5 kilograms). When standing on its hind legs, it is about 3.2 feet (1 meter) tall. Despite being winged, it walks with a quadruped gait, as its legs are not built for running. All pterosaurs walk in this fashion. Its wingspan is about 4.6 feet (1.4 meters), though a handful of specimens grow noticeably larger. Dimorphodon‘s wings are not as powerful as those of more advanced pterosaurs; rather than lengthy bouts of powered flight or gliding, this creature is suited to short, frantic flights. It is also known to ride in the wakes of larger pterosaurs and aircraft to conserve energy.

Dimorphodon‘s most striking feature is its large head, which appears disproportionate for its body size and is unusually boxy in shape. The skull shape of the genetically-engineered specimens created by Masrani Global Corporation is more rectangular than fossil specimens, which were still quite bulky but with a rounded snout. There are four or five fang-like teeth in the front of each jaw, followed by about forty small, narrow sharp lancet-like teeth. This is often less noticeable in InGen specimens, whose teeth are close to each other in size.

The skull is lightened by large apertures in the bone, which are plainly visible on InGen’s Dimorphodons due to the “shrink-wrapped” appearance of the head (a feature which is almost certainly the result of genetic engineering, rather than the animal’s natural appearance). Another feature present on InGen’s specimens but not those known from fossils is the presence of large supraorbital ridges like those seen on some theropod dinosaurs, which give it an angry appearance. These can be observed over the eyes, which are relatively large and possess round pupils and yellow sclerae. The musculature of the jaws is quite advanced, allowing the Dimorphodon to execute rapid snapping bites. However, its bite force is weak, and the teeth do not penetrate very deep. It has a relatively long, thin, pointed tongue, which cannot extend out of the mouth.

Like all pterosaurs, the wings of Dimorphodon are supported by the fourth finger of the hand, which is greatly elongated. The membrane of the wing, called the patagium, is divided into two parts: the propatagium, which extends from the shoulder to the wrist, and the brachiopatagium, which extends from the fourth finger to the leg.

Dimorphodon possesses quite powerful limbs and large curved claws on its wings and feet, which enable it to climb excellently. It is depicted doing so in the mobile game Jurassic World: The Game, which shows the pterosaur as able to climb trees with a saltatorial gait rather like a squirrel. It is also shown to be capable of brief bipedal running, using its wings for stability; however, it walks on all fours virtually all the time. It is built with a low center of gravity, which further enhances its climbing ability.

Mature D. macronyx assuming an aggressive posture

Unlike the pterodactyloid pterosaurs, Dimorphodon possesses a lengthy tail which may be longer than the rest of the body. Its tail consists of thirty vertebrae, and terminates in a rudder-like structure which is presumably used for steering during its brief moments of flight. Its tail is left free, rather than being connected to the wings or legs by patagia.

Coloration of this species is variable but generally dark. Most are gray, but may have tints of blue; others appear pale green, while some are closer to black. The wings, generally, are lighter-colored than the body, and it is common for the face to have pink tints. Darker stripes may be present on the back, and the snout may have a dark pinkish-gray stripe as well as reddish skin around the eyes.

On the dorsal side, Dimorphodon has a coating of pycnofibers (a type of structure analogous to hair or feathers) which presumably assist with retaining heat. Due to animation or modeling constraints, they are depicted with bare skin in Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous.

Growth
Dimorphodon attacking a human
A small Dimorphodon participating in a feeding frenzy, Isla Nublar (12/22/2015)

Individuals of varying sizes have been observed, but the animal’s growth rate is not known. Smaller, and thus presumably younger, Dimorphodons have generally narrower jaws and lighter build, but appear proportionally similar to the older animals. Pterosaurs in general are believed to have been fully capable of flight shortly after hatching, and so would not have undergone a great many physical changes during maturation.

Sexual Dimorphism

As of now, there is no way to accurately sex a Dimorphodon. The sexes are externally indistinguishable from one another, and so can only be identified through invasive observation.

Habitat
Preferred Habitat

Jurassic World’s staff housed Dimorphodon in an aviary with numerous cliffs, trees, and shallow rivers. The structure had an area of 430,000 square feet. However, personnel cited by the Dinosaur Protection Group after the 2015 Isla Nublar incident suggested that these conditions were inadequate for the animals, and that they would need a larger body of water in their habitat as well as more living space. They prefer coastal saltwater environments, though it is unknown if they can drink seawater by separating out salt.

Nesting grounds for Dimorphodons are usually located on ocean-facing cliffs. This provides them with easy access to their food sources as well as shelter from predators. During the day, they roost within crevices in the vertical face, emerging during the evening to socialize and hunt. Their eggs are laid in nests atop the cliffs where would-be egg-eaters have a harder time reaching.

Muertes Archipelago

While InGen’s operations originally took place on Isla Sorna, the viability of Dimorphodon was only 36%, insufficient to clone any at the time. Since their introduction into the wild, it is possible that some Dimorphodon have naturally migrated to the Muertes Archipelago, but those islands are strictly monitored and an accurate assessment is difficult to make.

Isla Nublar

Sometime between 2005 and 2014, Masrani Global Corporation cloned Dimorphodon macronyx, housing the species in the Jurassic World Aviary on Isla Nublar. On December 22, 2015, at least 43 Dimorphodon were observed on the island.

During the incident of December 22, 2015, the pterosaurs were frightened out of the aviary due to a combination of a break-in by the escaped Indominus rex and subsequent vehicular accident. They followed the larger Pteranodons westward, then turning to the southeast to approach Sector 3. Upon arriving there, they established Main Street and the Boardwalk as hunting and nesting territory. During the incident, multiple animals were tranquilized in mid-flight; at least seven died due to internal injury or drowning in the Lagoon after being sedated. An eighth presumably died due to an overdose of tranquilizers delivered by Senior Assets Manager Claire Dearing during the incident.

At least one individual reached the island’s eastern coast, but was gunned down by InGen Security while flying alongside a helicopter.

The flock had established breeding grounds at Lookout Point, a section of the Gondola Lift in the Western Ridge, by May or June 2016. At least four or five nests with three eggs each were seen. Unfortunately, these nests were all destroyed in a massive gasoline explosion which obliterated the mountaintop that month. Since the explosion occurred at night, some of the adults may have been away feeding, but many were probably still at the nesting ground and were killed. This was a devastating blow to Isla Nublar’s Dimorphodon population from which they would never recover. The population was reduced by one more later in June, when Mantah Corp. operatives captured a large adult specimen to sell to Biosyn Genetics.

No Dimorphodons were encountered during the June 23, 2018 mission. A poster released in February 2017 by the Dinosaur Protection Group implied that Dimorphodon was still extant at the time, presumably in regions of the island not extensively surveyed during the incident. It is not known how many, if any, Dimorphodon survived the eruption of Mount Sibo on June 23. Since this species feeds in the ocean, it may manage to hang on at the edges of Isla Nublar after the eruption, living away from the worst of Mount Sibo’s effects.

Mantah Corp Island

During a demonstration of Mantah Corporation technology in June 2016, a single adult Dimorphodon was captured from Isla Nublar and transported to Mantah Corp Island for the secretive facility there. Had the operation succeeded, this animal would have been sold to BioSyn Genetics, but this was never completed. Initially, the animal was manipulated by staff using a V-55 neural implant, but was freed from control during the incident that month. After being released, it was seen living in the redwood forest biome.

Biosyn Genetics Sanctuary

In June 2018, numerous species of de-extinct animals were introduced both to the wilds of the Pacific Northwest and to the black market, spreading them around the world. Capable of flight, Dimorphodon was able to proliferate itself without much human help. To deal with problematic animals, the governments of some countries contracted BioSyn Genetics to round up the creatures and hold them in secure facilities. Of these, the largest and most famous was the BioSyn Genetics Sanctuary, which operated in the early 2020s in the Dolomite Mountains of Italy before being taken over by the United Nations in 2022.

Dimorphodons, like other airborne animals, is required by Biosyn Valley‘s Aerial Deterrent System to remain at altitudes below 500 feet. All air routes in and out of the valley are above this altitude, making it impossible for Dimorphodons to leave the valley so long as the ADS and their neural implants remain functional.

Black market

A small and easily smuggled animal, Dimorphodon has entered the illegal pet trade in recent years. Availability would have begun in 2015 with the destruction of the Jurassic World Aviary and closure of Jurassic World, but the 2018 eruption of Mount Sibo drove many of the nesting Dimorphodons from their home, making them even easier to catch in the wild. Today, they occur in numerous Pacific countries and their DNA is on the black market, enabling anyone with means to create more.

Like many de-extinct animals, Dimorphodons are trafficked through the Amber Clave, a hub of illegal activity which operates at secretive locations throughout Valletta, Malta. This is a common species there; it is often trained to stand on its hind legs and perch for its owners. Once traded away, Dimorphodons may find their way to exotic pet owners, sometimes through the back rooms of pet supply stores (a pet shop in London, England was famously busted keeping several Dimorphodons for unlawful sale). The Department of Prehistoric Wildlife cooperates with local and national authorities, such as the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, to reclaim and safely relocate these animals, which are often kept in extremely cramped conditions and abused or neglected.

Wild populations

An original native of the Laramidian continent, this pterosaur evolved approximately 195 million years ago during the early Jurassic period. At the time, the supercontinent of Pangaea had just recently begun to break apart. Most fossils of Dimorphodon are known from Europe, in what is now southern England. It became extinct around 190 million years ago due to changes in its environment; like most prehistoric species, the exact circumstances are hard to determine. It was restored to life through genetic engineering in the early twenty-first century.

Dimorphodon has the instinct to flock toward large saltwater bodies, and at least one attempted to leave Isla Nublar on December 22, 2015. Their population dropped significantly in mid-2016, but survivors may have left the island in the ensuing years and survived the journey away from Isla Nublar.

Some inhabit Caribbean coasts, such as in eastern Florida. Populations here are monitored by the Dangerous Species Division of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency.

Most Dimorphodons traveled westward away from Isla Nublar and now inhabit coasts of the West Pacific Ocean. At least one flock is known in Asia, inhabiting the island of Miyajima in Japan. This flock, reported to the Department of Prehistoric Wildlife in early 2022, contained around fifteen to twenty adults at the time it was filmed.

Farther south, these pterosaurs seem to be common in the Indo-Pacific. A flock of fourteen or more adult Dimorphodons was reported nesting on a transmission tower in Bali, Indonesia in early 2022. Four others were sighted in Perth, Australia at around the same time.

Behavior and Ecology
Activity Patterns

While this reptile has been observed as active during the day, the Jurassic World website’s advertisement for the Romance Package describes them as being vocal at night. This suggests that the animals are normally crepuscular or nocturnal, which their large eyes also suggest; they may socialize in the evening or at night. Interference from their artificial environment may have encouraged cathermal behavior patterns; visitors and staff likely caused the Dimorphodons to be active intermittently throughout the day, as did their diurnal neighbors the Pteranodons. In the wild, they appear to roost in trees and on artificial structures during the daytime and emerge only when disturbed.

Diet and Feeding Behavior

As a carnivore, the Dimorphodon feeds mainly on small animals. Insects and fish constitute a large amount of its diet; this suggests that it feeds low to the ground. Its jaws are not designed for puncturing flesh, but rather for entrapping prey. It uses its excellent eyesight to locate a food item, then quickly closes its jaws around the victim. The long claws of the toes may also be used to help capture prey. Its quick, biting attacks have led to it being characterized as a “snap-feeder.”

Adult Dimorphodon attacking InGen Security behavior specialist Owen Grady, Isla Nublar (12/22/2015)

However, these animals can also act in large swarms to overwhelm groups of prey that they could not take down on their own. They have been observed engaging in feeding frenzies alongside Pteranodon; both genera of pterosaur will frighten and disorient groups of prey by dive-bombing, making loud vocalizations, and knocking debris around. While the prey items are panicked and confused, the pterosaurs will pick off the most vulnerable prey. Dimorphodons may tackle larger prey feet-first to knock them over, pull them off of ledges if they try to escape by climbing, and bite vulnerable areas. Because of the weak jaws of the Dimorphodon, it relies on a preliminary physical attack to incapacitate larger prey before biting. Its snout is surprisingly resilient, and it is capable of delivering a moderate headbutt in flight without injuring itself. When pinning down larger prey, it may beat its wings to maintain balance and disorient the prey.

Such feeding frenzies are presumed to be rare events, though. Typically, Dimorphodon cannot kill prey larger than itself. In fact, a feeding frenzy of this type has only been observed once, and is believed to have been caused by stress and understimulation in both pterosaur species involved.

Social Behavior

While Dimorphodon take a preemptive defense toward many other animals, they are actually quite gregarious among themselves. Even after leaving the confines of the Jurassic World Aviary, the Isla Nublar flock remained mostly close together as it journeyed across the island. Feeding and nesting are done communally, and the pterosaurs are highly vocal with one another. They will rally to defend their nesting grounds if predators threaten the eggs. Despite this, they are not known to interact with each other physically, maintaining a sense of personal space.

On occasion, Dimorphodon may venture away from the flock, and appear to have no discomfort about being on their own in unfamiliar territory.

Reproduction
The large size of Dimorphodon eggs means that females can only contain up to three at a time.

As with all pterosaurs, Dimorphodon lay eggs, and most likely have cloacae which are used to mate. Eggs appear to be laid by June, during what would be the rainy season in Costa Rica. Nests are scratched into the ground and marked using small rocks and other natural debris, located at high altitudes where predators cannot easily reach. They appear to prefer open ground with limited nearby shelter for nesting sites. Eggs are slightly ovoid and large for a reptile this size, barely smaller than a human head, and are colored gray with brown speckling and a smooth texture. Because of the size of the eggs, a Dimorphodon can lay only a small number of them; they appear to consistently lay three eggs every time. For the most part, the eggs appear able to withstand ambient environmental conditions. This may be a result of genetic engineering, since pterosaur eggs have parchment-like shells and are more water-permeable than those of dinosaurs; in prehistory, pterosaurs typically buried their eggs, like most modern reptiles, for protection from the elements. If this is not the case, Dimorphodon must be very particular about where it lays eggs, choosing sites with levels of humidity and moisture that will not harm them.

Dimorphodons are protective of their nests and will defend the communal nesting grounds together. One by itself might be able to keep a small predator at bay, but when they act as one unit, they become a formidable array of teeth which can drive off most threats. When one Dimorphodon finds the nesting grounds in danger, it will emit a warning cry which alerts the rest of the flock immediately. As soon as this warning cry is heard, the whole flock will rally to drive away the predator. These flocks consist of both males and females, and multiple age groups coexist as well. This suggests that younger Dimorphodons assist the mature adults, similar to some birds.

While the eggs of bigger pterosaurs can incubate for up to several months, the incubation period of Dimorphodon is unknown. Fossil evidence suggests that smaller pterosaurs generally provide less parental care than larger ones, so although these animals will defend their nesting grounds against threats, their young are probably precocial and can care for themselves.

Communication

As a social animal, it should come as no surprise that the Dimorphodon is highly vocal. It makes a variety of chirping and gibbering sounds to communicate with others of its own kind, though the nature of these communications (i.e. to identify food sources, advertise to mates, or establish dominance) have not been studied. In particular, the chirping sounds are said to be made during the night. When frightened or defensive, Dimorphodon makes clicking or chittering noises, and can sometimes be heard screeching when agitated. When faced with a threat, it will usually make such noises before taking flight, suggesting that this sound is meant to signal to the others to follow that individual along a possible route to safety.

Dimorphodon displaying a typical aggression or fear response. Note the bipedal pose and spread wings, both of which maximize the animal’s visibility to its fellows while also making it look larger.

One of Dimorphodon‘s cries is fully understood: it has a distinctive warning or alarm cry, which is heard as a very loud and high-pitched repetitive screeching. When other Dimorphodons hear this cry, they will immediately rally toward the one making the noise. This sound is different from the usual calls it makes when it is agitated in that it signifies a threat that the whole flock should respond to, such as a predator in the nesting grounds. Dimorphodon will become aggressive and chase off whatever danger the first animal indicates.

Non-vocal communications are also known from this species; when angered, it will rear onto its hind legs and spread its wings in an intimidation display. This serves a dual purpose: it can be used to intimidate predators or territorial rivals, and also makes it more visible to to other Dimorphodon. It is unknown whether they use this behavior in dominance displays, but it can certainly be seen when a pterosaur is responding to a threat.

Ecological Interactions

Prey of the Dimorphodon includes mainly small animals such as insects, fish, and reptiles. It would, therefore, be low on the food chain; it can mostly only eat prey that fits in its mouth, only attacking larger prey when it is in a frenzied state. Because its jaws are not designed for biting off pieces of meat, it is unlikely that it could feed properly from larger carcasses.

As with most de-extinct species, Dimorphodon would have been affected by hematophagous (blood-drinking) parasites in its native time period. Mosquitoes are a common example of hematophagous creatures. It is not known if any modern parasites affect Dimorphodon this way.

Because of its smaller size and weak bite, Dimorphodon tends to be less aggressive and more cautious around other animals. It is shy and easily spooked, though, which can provoke it to attack.

The Dimorphodon is more suited to short, frantic flights and diving maneuvers than sustained gliding.

This species appears to associate willingly with Pteranodon longiceps masranii. The nature of this relationship is likely commensal, though it may possibly be parasitic. Competition between the two for food sources appears to be nonviolent, and the Pteranodon tolerate the Dimorphodon nearby; they have not been observed to attack or threaten their smaller neighbors in any way. The Dimorphodon, on the other hand, benefit from the presence of Pteranodon in several ways. Most of these are commensal, in that they benefit the Dimorphodon without harming the Pteranodon. This may include protection from some predators, as the aggressive Pteranodon will drive away most animals. For example, when the pterosaurs’ territory was perceived as threatened by the helicopter JW001, the Pteranodon confronted the threat while the Dimorphodon remained within the aviary walls. The Pteranodon are also much more powerful fliers; the Dimorphodon are weak fliers, but can be seen riding along in the wake of the Pteranodon even when safer or more comfortable routes are available. This suggests that they use the drafts created by Pteranodon to cover distance more quickly.

There is another element to the relationship that is possibly parasitic; during the December 22, 2015 incident, Pteranodon were attacked by both Indominus rex and Mosasaurus maximus. In both cases, Dimorphodon were also present, but the predators ignored them in favor of the larger pterosaurs. This pattern suggests that Dimorphodon may use the larger size of their neighbors to evade notice by large predatory animals. However, the two are not always seen together. After their release from the Jurassic World Aviary, the Pteranodons nested in Isla Nublar’s Eastern Ridge, while the Dimorphodons nested in the Western Ridge. Furthermore, Dimorphodons usually rest during the daytime while Pteranodons are active.

It is not known if any Dimorphodon inhabited the area surrounding the Jurassic World Lagoon after 2015. If any remained, they would have shared territory with Dilophosaurus, Compsognathus, Brachiosaurus, and Tyrannosaurus. It is unlikely that the larger dinosaurs would interact with the comparatively minute Dimorphodon, but Compsognathus would probably compete with it for food, and the nocturnal Dilophosaurus may have preyed upon it. At their one-time nesting grounds at Lookout Point, predators in the lowlands included Allosaurus and Ceratosaurus, while the herbivore Ankylosaurus occasionally was found there. One ankylosaur had a brief conflict with a parent Dimorphodon defending its nest in June 2016. The hybrid theropod Scorpios rex also hunted there between March and June, and while it was not seen attacking Dimorphodons, its presence necessitated a gasoline explosion to distract it from a distance. The explosion annihilated the Dimorphodon nesting grounds.

Cultural Significance
Symbolism

The distinctive appearance of this pterosaur, as well as its relatively early and well-publicized discovery, make it a mainstay in paleoart and a common inspiration for pterosaur depictions in popular culture. It has become decidedly less positively received since the 2015 incident in Jurassic World, where it was implicated in a dramatic attack on tourists. Since that point in time, Dimorphodon has instead come to symbolize the idea that de-extinct life forms are threatening and harmful; its awkward and ugly appearance have not helped in this respect.

In Captivity

Flying animals present a challenge to maintain in captivity, but the ungainly Dimorphodon offers a bit of a reprieve from the struggle of pterosaur-keeping. It is not an excellent flier, preferring to ride in the wake of larger pterosaurs and mostly staying on the ground. When it takes to the air, it makes short and rapid flights somewhat like certain birds such as woodpeckers. Aviary structures meant to contain Dimorphodon should still be fully-enclosed, since it is a capable climber and glider. Just because it is less capable of long-distance flight does not mean it cannot fly at all, and in fact it can cover quite some ground if given the chance.

Its habitat should include sources of fresh water for it to swim, bathe, and hunt; salt water is also acceptable but not ideal. Most of its diet includes terrestrial animals such as insects and small reptiles, but it will happily feed on fish. Changing up an animal’s protein source is always healthy, and this goes for de-extinct reptiles too. To ensure its habitat is satisfactory, there should be plenty of foliage and cliffs to create a dynamic environment that keeps it occupied. It is not extremely intelligent, but still needs stimulation. This pterosaur will bite if provoked, but can be kept alongside Pteranodon without issue.

While most of the animal welfare at Jurassic World was within acceptable parameters, the pterosaur aviary was one glaring exception. The structure was 430,000 square feet, which sounds large on paper but was in fact too small for the population size it held. A source of fresh water was present inside, but it was also too small. Overcrowding appears to have been an issue with both species of pterosaurs; while they are known for being gregarious, park managers should make sure that pterosaur populations remain within a manageable size and do not grow so large that they become stressed. Heightened aggression may make the animals exciting to view, but this is both dangerous and unethical.

This is the first pterosaur to make its way into the pet trade, with its social behavior making it appealing to some people and its moderate intelligence lending itself to rudimentary training. While the possibility of having a pet pterosaur that can perform simple tricks may entice some, it is greatly discouraged to capture and keep a Dimorphodon due to their aggressive behavior and tendency to bite with little provocation. It is illegal to own one in many parts of the world. Authorities often rescue Dimorphodons from inhumane conditions; those bred in captivity sometimes have signs of inbreeding such as a noticeable underbite.

Science

As one of the first pterosaurs known to science, discovered by legendary paleontologist Mary Anning, Dimorphodon holds a special place in scientific history and our understanding of pterosaur evolution. It presents valuable information about these reptiles’ ecology and behavior patterns due to the quality of the rare fossil remains. Notably, the more recent finds in Mexico demonstrate that (as suggested by fossilized footprints) pterosaurs walk with a plantigrade gait rather than a digitigrade one. Dimorphodon has also been invaluable in determining pterosaur taxonomy, with some paleontologists suggesting it is one of the more primitive pterosaur species.

Since the advent of de-extinction, the Dimorphodon genome has been sequenced by International Genetic Technologies, opening this species up to genetic research.

Politics

Dimorphodon has been subject to political controversy since the 2015 incident, in which it was recorded attacking guests at Jurassic World after being accidentally released from captivity. While the brunt of the attack was instigated by Pteranodons, the smaller Dimorphodons also became frenzied and bit multiple guests. Despite the bizarre and unlikely circumstances leading up to the attack, Dimorphodon has since been demonized in the media as an undesirable, menacing, and dangerous creature representative of the supposed threat de-extinct life poses to humanity.

An immature Dimorphodon uses a typical wing-flaring display to try and intimidate tourists at Winston’s Steakhouse, Isla Nublar (12/22/2015)

However, the stereotype of Dimorphodon as a bloodthirsty monster is far from deserved. Following the incident, experts cited by the Dinosaur Protection Group stated that the Jurassic World Aviary’s conditions were insufficient for the pterosaurs’ needs; for example, the area was too small, lacking a significant body of water beyond the small rivers present in the enclosure. Furthermore, they were unable to find the stimulation provided by active hunting as they would in the wild; despite their presumed low intelligence, this led them to become stressed. The resultant attack, these experts suggest, was the result of subpar care provided by Jurassic World staff rather than the inherent nature of the pterosaurs.

This pterosaur’s continued existence was debated between 2017 and 2018, as volcanic activity on Isla Nublar caused the decline of the insular ecosystem. As a predatory animal, the proposal to rescue Dimorphodon was particularly controversial; despite lobbying from the DPG it was ultimately decided to do nothing to save the animals. This reptile’s unfortunate and undeserved reputation as a killing machine likely played a role in the government’s non-action decision.

Since the Sibo controversy, Dimorphodon has once again found its way into the world of animal rights politics. In particular, it has become a part of the global animal trafficking business, with its small size and potentially trainable nature making it one of the more common de-extinct animals in the illegal pet trade. The Department of Prehistoric Wildlife greatly discourages keeping this species.

Resources

In the Genetic Age, this animal has been brought back from extinction and is useful as a living specimen. Previously, it was known for its valuable fossil remains. All de-extinct animals are sources of novel biopharmaceutical compounds, due to their unique biological attributes and genetic modifications. Since Dimorphodon is a pterosaur, it would have even more unique qualities than the dinosaurs; it has no very close living relatives. However, specifics on what compounds have been sourced from it are unavailable at this time.

This pterosaur was being engineered for Jurassic Park as of 1993, but was not viable at the time development on the Park came to a halt. It was eventually cloned for Jurassic World years later. Advertisements for the aviary heavily focused on Pteranodon, with Dimorphodon being mostly ignored in marketing. It was, however, referenced in the Romance Package, with Masrani Global describing the chirping sounds of the animals as a part of the nighttime ambiance for couples sleeping in tents under the stars.

Juvenile Dimorphodon in the illegal pet trade (Valletta, Malta). Captive specimens are often made to perch like birds, which is an unnatural posture for a pterosaur to maintain for long periods.

After its appearance in the wild, especially around the West Pacific, this pterosaur has become a part of the illegal pet trade. The Department of Prehistoric Wildlife reports that many people try and keep this animal as a pet because of its moderate intelligence and social behavior. This is highly discouraged, since Dimorphodons can be aggressive. Would-be keepers often expect the animal to behave like a bird, which can lead to poor living conditions for the pterosaurs. Captive specimens have often been rescued from neglectful or abusive conditions, such as being held in cramped cages. Their wings may be clipped at a young age to prevent escape.

Safety

This is a very reactive pterosaur and is prone to biting. It should generally only be handled by people with experience, and as it is markedly different from most modern animals, there are few animal specialists really equipped to deal with it other than those trained specifically for small toothy pterosaurs. Giving this animal its distance is the best way to avoid an altercation; it is surprisingly fast on the ground and a good climber, so it is inadvisable to get close enough to provoke it at all. Dimorphodon, like most de-extinct animals, has never been hunted and so shows no fear of humans, so it will defend itself if it feels threatened or if its nesting grounds are invaded. Unprovoked attacks have been reported, with food being the motivating factor. While a human is larger than a Dimorphodon‘s usual meal (it feeds almost entirely on animals smaller than itself), it may attack you looking for food you are carrying. If you are being chased, dropping whatever you have on you may distract it.

A Dimorphodon attacking something the size of a human is at a disadvantage and knows this, so it will try to gain the upper hand by disabling or disorienting its opponent. A common tactic is a feet-first tackle or flying headbutt to knock its enemy to the ground. If you can maintain your footing, you are more likely to be able to drive it off. If a physical fight is necessary, grab it by the neck with both hands to prevent it from twisting around and biting you, holding it at arm’s length to get it away from your face. It will probably try to bite at your throat, since this is where you are most vulnerable; it will use its wings to try and propel itself forward or bat at your head. Keep your wits about you and keep your arms stiff so that it cannot push itself closer. In the event that a Dimorphodon lunges at you and you cannot grab it in time, try to block it with your arm; wearing thick protective clothing will benefit you in this case. Its teeth are sharp, but its jaws are designed to snap and hold small prey rather than a larger enemy. If it does puncture your skin, do not try to push it away, since this will result in tearing wounds. Its jaws are not designed to rip pieces of flesh off of prey: if it can be forced to release its grip, you will suffer only puncture wounds rather than larger gashes.

While this animal is bold and has a frightening appearance, remember that it is not very strong. Most people are probably capable of wrestling it away with minor injuries in a normal situation, and your odds are greater if you can arm yourself with any blunt object to strike it. Making yourself appear larger and capable of harming it may discourage it from persisting in its attack. Do not try scaring it with loud shrill noises, as this may provoke it instead. The greatest danger is a combined flock attack: should you spot unusually large groups of pterosaurs amassing, seek a defensible shelter in case a feeding frenzy occurs. Buildings and vehicles are good sturdy shelters, but avoid structures with large windows. Like birds, pterosaurs struggle to see glass and will often crash into it when agitated, and shattered glass can be just as dangerous as the animals themselves. The main reason for swarming attacks is territorial defense. They nest communally, and if one Dimorphodon sees a threat, it will quickly summon its flock. If you spot nests with eggs, immediately leave the area and try not to disturb the nests at all. While InGen’s pterosaurs are notorious for feeding frenzies like the one which occurred on Isla Nublar in 2015, defense of nesting grounds is much more dangerous. A Dimorphodon will probably not try to eat you, but it will fight to defend its eggs against any threat no matter how intimidating.

You are most at risk if you live in coastal regions, particularly where cliffs or tall artificial structures exist. They will congregate here to socialize and look for food. The presence of Dimorphodons can be determined by large amounts of droppings containing insect or fish remains, but it is fairly easy to hear groups of Dimorphodon in your area because they are very noisy creatures. If they are around, keep your children and pets indoors, and do not approach the animals closely. Report them to the Department of Prehistoric Wildlife and notify your local experts.

Behind the Scenes

The Dimorphodon was one of the favorite creatures of director Colin Trevorrow and producer Patrick Crowley, being selected for 2015’s Jurassic World for this reason.