Azhdarchids

Azhdarchids are pterosaurs in the family Azhdarchidae (from the Persian word "azhdar", اژدر, a dragon-like creature in Persian mythology) known primarily from the Late Cretaceous Period, though an isolated vertebra apparently from an azhdarchid is known from the Early Cretaceous as well (late Berriasian age, about 140 million years ago). Azhdarchids are mainly known for including some of the largest flying animals discovered, but smaller cat-size members have also been found. Originally considered a sub-family of Pteranodontidae, Nesov (1984) named the Azhdarchinae to include the pterosaurs Azhdarcho, Quetzalcoatlus, and Titanopteryx (now known as Arambourgiania). They were among the last known surviving members of the pterosaurs, and were a rather successful group with a worldwide distribution. Previously it was thought that by the end of the Cretaceous, most pterosaur families except for the Azhdarchidae disappeared from the fossil record, but recent studies indicate a wealth of pterosaurian fauna, including pteranodontids, nyctosaurids, tapejarids, and several indeterminate forms. In several analyses, some taxa such as Navajodactylus, Bakonydraco, and Montanazhdarcho were moved from Azhdarchidae to other clades.

This category includes all the azhdarchids that have appeared in the Jurassic Park franchise so far (including genetically-altered creatures containing azhdarchid DNA).