New information on the Hind limb feathering, soft tissues and skeleton of Microraptor (Theropoda: Dromaeosauridae)

BMC Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 25(1)

Published: April 24, 2025

Abstract Background Microraptor is known as the most significant example of extended feathering on legs a paravian, both fossil and modern. Its striking difference with paravians contributes to multiple theories function its conspicuous hind limbs. Recent studies tried uncover evolutionary significance, but anatomy has only been described from small number samples. Results Through analysis 16 specimens , including 8 previously undescribed specimens, here we provide new information structure hindwing feathers within revised feather taxonomy, shape which displays all along limb, except pedal digits. Here describe in detail 6 types: metatarsal remiges, long coverts, femoral well first description tibial feathers, anterior coverts minor coverts. Our study BMNHC PH881 STM 5–5, 5–75, 6–62 6–86 partially consistent previous work, key this proximal shift triangular wing portion formed by that outlines joint between tibiotarsus metatarsus. This configuration does not exist any extant or bird, other non-avian paravian so far, underscoring uniqueness . Unlike reconstructions, display an asymmetrical close-vanned remiges. The preserved are posteriorly projected metatarsus vary medioposterior lateroposterior projection feathers. Conclusions overall layers found two elongated asymmetrically vaned linked more reminiscent forewing modern birds than leg fossils taxa. These observations allow us better understand flight, non-flight locomotion hunting strategies iconic ‘four-winged’ dinosaur suggesting had complex behaviour made it adapted arboreal terrestrial habitats.

Language: Английский

A decade of vertebrate palaeontology research: global taxa distribution, gender dynamics and evolving methodologies

Royal Society Open Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 12(5)

Published: May 1, 2025

Using 12 104 publications from 2014 to 2023 in the DeepBone database, this study employs bibliometric methods, including full-text latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) modelling, co-occurrence network analysis and geographic mapping with ArcGIS, examine three key aspects of vertebrate palaeontology development: distribution newly established taxa, gender demographics among researchers research trends. Gender data were analysed using automated tools manual verification ensure accuracy, while methodological evolution was investigated through systematic text mining classification. Among 8336 mammals (34.72%) fishes (29.76%) dominate, followed by reptiles (25.34%), birds (7.39%) amphibians (2.80%). Geographic reveals significant regional disparities, USA (13.50%) China (13.32%) contributing most, Africa Oceania remain under-represented (less than 10%). indicates a gradual increase female representation 22.78 27.20% over decade, highlighting imperative address disparities palaeontology, thereby advancing equity alignment UNESCO Sustainable Development Goal 5. LDA topic modelling identifies 15 distinct topics, encompassing evolutionary biology, cranial skeletal morphology, dinosaur–bird human evolution, highlights methodologies, revealing strong interconnections between phylogenetic (15%), traditional morphological (12%) high-resolution imaging techniques (9%).

Language: Английский

Patterns of postcranial fusion in the emu ( Dromaius novaehollandiae ) and Cretaceous theropod dinosaur Troodon formosus

Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: May 14, 2025

Language: Английский