Cursorial ecomorphology and temporal patterns in theropod dinosaur evolution during the mid-Cretaceous
Royal Society Open Science,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
12(1)
Published: Jan. 1, 2025
Coelurosauria,
including
modern
birds,
represents
a
successful
group
of
theropod
dinosaurs
that
established
high
taxonomic
diversity
and
significant
morphological
modifications.
In
the
evolutionary
history
this
group,
specialized
foot
morphology,
arctometatarsus,
evolved
independently
in
several
lineages
has
been
considered
an
adaptation
for
cursoriality.
While
its
functional
significance
extensively
studied,
temporal
pattern
parallel
evolution,
as
well
origin
influencing
factors,
remains
largely
unresolved.
Here,
we
show
evolution
cursorial
traits,
arctometatarsus
hind
limb
proportions.
Our
study
reveals
proportional
elongation
distal
segments
preceded
ornithomimosaurs
oviraptorosaurs.
contrast,
tyrannosauroids,
alvarezsaurs
troodontids,
tibia
metatarsals
occurred
with
acquisition
arctometatarsus.
The
further
highlights
presence
phylogenetic
constraint
outside
specialization
is
restricted
to
members
group.
Finally,
our
date
estimation,
based
on
compiled
patterns,
demonstrates
these
traits
emerged
during
mid-Cretaceous
(93–120
Ma),
suggesting
selection
locomotor
performance
throughout
interval.
Language: Английский
Jaw biomechanics of Troodontidae and their implications for the palaeobiology of this lineage of bird-like theropod dinosaurs
Lethaia,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
58(1), P. 1 - 12
Published: Feb. 20, 2025
Language: Английский
Osteology, relationship, and feeding ecology of the theropod dinosaur Noasaurus leali, from the Late Cretaceous of North-Western Argentina
Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
202(4)
Published: Dec. 1, 2024
Abstract
Noasaurus
leali
is
a
small
(~2
m)
carnivorous
theropod
and
the
nominal
genus
of
clade
Noasauridae,
one
two
radiations
abelisauroid
ceratosaurs
predominantly
present
in
Southern
Hemisphere
during
Mesozoic.
This
eponymous
from
Maastrichtian
Lecho
Formation
Salta,
Argentina,
known
an
incomplete
skeleton
which
strongly
curved
manual
ungual
most
peculiar
element.
We
here
provide
for
first
time
comprehensive
description
holotypic
specimens
Noasaurus,
whose
phylogenetic
position
was
explored
using
three
independent
datamatrices
on
relationships.
species
diagnosed
by
several
apomorphies
such
as
dorsal
ridge
maxillary
fossa,
arched
quadrate,
cervical
neural
arch
with
anterior
epipophyseal
prongs,
subtriangular
flexor
fossa
delimited
V-shaped
ridge.
Results
analyses
recovered
closely
related
to
Velocisaurus,
Masiakasaurus,
Laevisuchus,
together
form
Late
Cretaceous
radiation
small-bodied
noasaurids
restricted
Hemisphere.
The
morphology
lateral
dentition
unguals
suggests
that
opportunistic
carnivore
feeding
prey
items
possible
piscivore
gaffing
fish
its
specialized
hand
claws.
Language: Английский