a small foramen (gap) between them. The larger outer distal carpal connects to metacarpals III and IV, while the much smaller inner distal carpal connects to metacarpals II and III. Metacarpals III and IV are the largest bones in the hand, followed closely by metacarpal II. Metacarpals I and V are both short. The hand’s phalangeal formula (joints per finger) is 2-3-4-4-3. The terminal phalanges (fingertips) would have formed thick, blunt claws. Hip and hindlimbs The components of the pelvis (hip) are proportionally small, though their shape is also nothing unusual relative to other tanystropheids. The ilium (upper hip blade) is low and extends to a tapered point at the rear. The pubis (lower front hip blade) is vertically oriented, with a small but distinct obturator foramen and a concave rear edge. The lower edge of the large, fan-shaped ischium (lower rear hip blade) converges towards the pubis, but does not contact it. The large oval-shaped gap between the pubis and ischium is known as the thyroid foramen. Two pairs of large, curved bones, known as heterotopic ossifications, sit behind the hips in about half of known specimens preserving the area. These bones are possibly sexually dimorphic, and have also been reported in the small American tanystropheid Tanytrachelos. Heterotopic ossifications may be linked to reproductive biology, supporting reproductive organs (if they belong to males) or an egg pouch (if they belong to females). The hindlimbs are significantly larger than the forelimbs, though similar in overall structure and proportions. The femur (thigh bone) is long, slender, and sigmoid (curved at both ends). It has a longitudinal muscle scar (the internal trochanter) on its underside and a broad joint at the acetabulum (hip socket). The tibia and fibula (shin bones) are straight, with the former much thicker and more expanded at the knee. The large proximal tarsals (ankle bones) consist of a rounded calcaneum and a blocky astragalus, which meet along a straight or shallowly indented contact in most specimens. Unlike most early archosauromorphs, Tanystropheus has only two pebble-shaped distal tarsals: the larger fourth distal tarsal and minuscule third distal tarsal. There are five closely-appressed metatarsals, with the fourth and third being the longest. Though the first four metatarsals are slender and similar in length, the fifth (outermost) is very stout and subtly hooked, slotting into the ankle along a smooth joint. The estimated phalangeal formula is 2-3-4-5-4. The first phalange of