It is also unclear exactly which pterosaurs belong to the Tapejaridae; some researchers have found the thalassodromines and chaoyangopterines to be members of this family, while other studies have found them to be more closely related to the azhdarchids (in the clade Neoazhdarchia). Several studies have shown that the "tapejarids" as traditionally thought of (that is, including the classic examples of both Tapejara and Tupuxuara) are paraphyletic, and do not form a natural group, but instead represent sequential branches of the tree leading. In light of this discovery, several of the traditional names associated with the group have been re-defined.
The Tapejaridae family's classification is complex and debated. Some researchers consider thalassodromines and chaoyangopterines to be members of this family, while others suggest closer ties to azhdarchids (Neoazhdarchia).  Traditional "tapejarid" classifications have been found to be paraphyletic, meaning they do not represent a natural group but rather branches of the pterosaur family tree.