Novel Quantification of Eggshell Surfaces in Dromaius novaehollandiae With Implications for the Fossil Eggshells of Oviraptorosauria (Dinosauria)

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(5)

Published: May 1, 2025

ABSTRACT The external surfaces of non‐avian dinosaur eggs are not usually smooth like those their avian descendants. Unique ornamentation patterns sculpt the exterior eggs, a trait that is difficult to interpret because its scarcity in modern taxa. One species does homoplastically present similar eggshell dinosaurs Dromaius novaehollandiae Latham, 1790, emu. Here we use D. conjunction with clutch oviraptorosaurian (NCSM 33576, Macroelongatoolithus carlylei ) test new methods quantifying ornamentation. Currently, only scientific language for describing and comparing styles fossil ootaxa restricted qualitative categorization, which introduces issues subjectivity overly broad overlapping typification. In this study, derived tested statistical quantitative approach includes two existing functions molaR package R previously applied shape quantifications teeth, ‘Orientation’, novel function presented as proxy ‘direction’, needed capture directionality. Results demonstrate (1) provides backing gross observations; (2) statistically significant differences exist between M. , particularly terms relief; (3) intranest variation can be demonstrated from harmonic mean p ‐value different pairs eggs. This method offers strong platform consolidate measures categories, improve diagnoses answer ecological evolutionary questions regarding reproduction. Moreover, wider application technique encouraged multi‐proxy analysis any paleontological surfaces, such echinoderm tests, geological ripple marks or dentition.

Language: Английский

Large theropod teeth from the Upper Cretaceous of Guangdong Province, Southern China

Cretaceous Research, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 161, P. 105914 - 105914

Published: April 23, 2024

Language: Английский