Journal of Zoology,
Год журнала:
2023,
Номер
319(4), С. 285 - 295
Опубликована: Янв. 11, 2023
Abstract
Feet
and
talons
are
the
most
specialized
predatory
attributes
of
raptor
morphology.
As
such,
hindlimb
morphology
owls
should
reflect
their
dietary
specialization.
Owls'
diet
varies
widely
between
species
with
only
a
subset
owl
preying
predominantly
on
small
mammals.
We
hypothesize
that
different
have
varied
morphology,
adapted
to
main
prey
types,
specialists
will
be
distinguishable
based
talon
(e.g.
toe
length,
curvature
thickness,
etc.).
used
sample
63
specimens
from
15
obtain
variety
measurements
then
discriminant
function
analysis
investigate
degree
variation
groups
in
terms
morphological
measurements.
Our
results
indicate
is
linked
type
studied.
Insect
mammal
were
characterized
by
low
curvature,
whereas
generalists
presented
pronounced
curvature.
Fish
particularly
thick
robust
talons,
insect
showed
lower
digit
strength
than
other
species.
These
findings
could
help
determine
species,
endangered
for
which
data
often
scarce.
This
study
also
very
useful
future
studies
ecology
sympatric
resource
partitioning
or
sexes
same
more
generally
evolution
owls.
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences,
Год журнала:
2025,
Номер
380(1920)
Опубликована: Фев. 27, 2025
Modern
birds
(Neornithes)
are
the
mostly
highly
modified
group
of
amniotes,
bearing
little
resemblance
to
other
extant
sauropsids.
Archaeopteryx
,
with
its
nearly
modern
wings
but
plesiomorphic
skeleton,
demonstrated
more
than
160
years
ago
that
soft
tissue
specializations
preceded
skeletal
modifications
for
flight.
Soft
tissues
thus
great
importance
understanding
early
evolution
avian
physiology.
Most
commonly,
traces
integumentary
system
preserved;
exceptional
discoveries
include
remnants
organs.
Together,
these
have
helped
elucidate
lungs,
ovaries,
plumage
and
beak
in
diverging
birds.
These
fossils
reveal
many
important
adaptations
efficient
digestion,
high
oxygen
intake,
reduced
body
mass
improved
wing
structure,
all
which
serve
improve
aerial
capabilities
and/or
meet
energetic
demands
this
costly
form
locomotion,
evolved
within
first
20–30
Myr
evolution.
preservation
also
provides
clues
ecology
may
even
extinction
certain
groups.
However,
current
fossil
record
Mesozoic
is
almost
entirely
limited
Early
Cretaceous
thus,
from
Late
potential
drastically
transform
our
interpretation
available
data.
This
article
part
theme
issue
‘The
biology
respiratory
system’.
Integrative Organismal Biology,
Год журнала:
2023,
Номер
5(1)
Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2023
Synopsis
The
increased
use
of
imaging
technology
in
biological
research
has
drastically
altered
morphological
studies
recent
decades
and
allowed
for
the
preservation
important
collection
specimens
alongside
detailed
visualization
bony
soft-tissue
structures.
Despite
benefits
associated
with
these
newer
techniques,
there
remains
a
need
more
“traditional”
methods
examination
many
comparative
studies.
In
this
paper,
we
describe
costs
various
visualizing,
examining,
comparing
There
are
significant
differences
not
only
different
(monetary,
time,
equipment,
software),
but
also
degree
to
which
destroyed.
We
argue
any
one
particular
method
over
another
studies,
instead
suggest
combination
is
useful
breadth
visualization,
financial
time
constraints
often
imposed
on
early-career
scientists.
Birds
are
key
indicator
species
in
extant
ecosystems,
and
thus
we
would
expect
extinct
birds
to
provide
insights
into
the
nature
of
ancient
ecosystems.
However,
many
aspects
bird
ecology,
particularly
their
diet,
remain
obscure.
One
group
particular
interest
is
bizarre
toothed
long-snouted
longipterygid
birds.
Longipterygidae
most
well-understood
family
enantiornithine
birds,
dominant
Cretaceous
period.
as
with
Mesozoic
diet
remains
entirely
speculative.
Nature Communications,
Год журнала:
2022,
Номер
13(1)
Опубликована: Дек. 20, 2022
Abstract
Morphology
of
keratinised
toe
pads
and
foot
scales,
hinging
joints
claw
shape
size
all
inform
the
grasping
ability,
cursoriality
feeding
mode
living
birds.
Presented
here
is
morphological
evidence
from
fossil
feet
early
theropod
flyers.
Foot
soft
tissues
joint
articulations
are
qualitatively
assessed
using
laser-stimulated
fluorescence.
Pedal
quantitatively
analysed
traditional
morphometrics.
We
interpret
these
data
among
existing
to
better
understand
evolutionary
ecology
Jurassic
flyers
like
Anchiornis
Archaeopteryx
show
adaptations
suggestive
relatively
ground-dwelling
lifestyles.
Early
Cretaceous
then
diversify
into
more
aerial
lifestyles,
including
generalists
Confuciusornis
specialists
climbing
Fortunguavis
.
Some
birds,
Late
Berlin
Sapeornis
,
complex
ecologies
seemingly
unique
sampled
modern
As
a
non-bird
flyer,
finding
affinities
Microraptor
specialised
raptorial
lifestyle
unexpected.
Its
hawk-like
characteristics
rare
known
time
suggesting
that
some
perform
roles
filled
by
birds
today.
demonstrate
diverse
ecological
profiles
flyers,
changing
as
flight
developed,
have
roles.
Ecology and Evolution,
Год журнала:
2019,
Номер
9(20), С. 11545 - 11556
Опубликована: Сен. 30, 2019
Terrestrial
tetrapods
use
their
claws
to
interact
with
environments
in
a
plethora
of
ways.
Birds
particular
have
developed
diversity
claw
shapes
since
they
are
often
not
bound
terrestrial
locomotion
and
heterogeneous
body
masses
ranging
several
orders
magnitude.
Numerous
previous
studies
hypothesized
connection
between
pedal
shape
ecological
mode
birds,
yet
generated
conflicting
results,
spanning
from
clear
groupings
based
on
complete
overlap
modes.
The
majority
these
relied
traditional
morphometric
arc
measurements
keratinous
sheaths
variably
accounted
for
likely
confounding
factors
such
as
mass
phylogenetic
relatedness.
To
better
address
the
relationship
ecology
we
collected
580
radiographs
allowing
visualization
bony
core
sheath
21
avian
orders.
Geometric
morphometrics
was
used
quantify
compared
results
using
measurements.
Neither
approach
significantly
separates
bird
into
coarse
categories
after
integrating
size
relatedness;
however,
some
separation
groups
is
evident
find
gradual
shift
ground-dwelling
birds
those
predatory
birds.
Further,
correlated,
degree
functional
integration
does
differ
across
groups.
Therefore,
it
possible
compare
fossil
cores
extant
applying
corrections.
Finally,
metrics
geometric
significantly,
loosely
correlated.
Based
future
workers
encouraged
approaches
study
geometry
account
size,
phylogeny,
individual
variation
prior
predicting
taxa.
Biological reviews/Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society,
Год журнала:
2021,
Номер
96(5), С. 2058 - 2112
Опубликована: Июль 8, 2021
Birds
are
some
of
the
most
diverse
organisms
on
Earth,
with
species
inhabiting
a
wide
variety
niches
across
every
major
biome.
As
such,
birds
vital
to
our
understanding
modern
ecosystems.
Unfortunately,
evolutionary
history
ecosystems
is
hampered
by
knowledge
gaps
in
origin
bird
diversity
and
ecosystem
ecology.
A
crucial
part
addressing
these
shortcomings
improving
earliest
birds,
non-avian
avialans
(i.e.
non-crown
birds),
particularly
their
diet.
The
diet
has
been
matter
debate,
large
because
ambiguous
qualitative
approaches
that
have
used
reconstruct
it.
Here
we
review
methods
for
determining
fossil
avians
crown
birds)
as
well
theropods,
comment
usefulness
when
applied
avialans.
We
use
this
propose
set
comparable,
quantitative
ascertain
basis
provide
consensus
what
currently
know
about
While
no
single
approach
can
precisely
predict
each
exclude
diets
narrow
dietary
possibilities.
recommend
combining
(i)
dental
microwear,
(ii)
landmark-based
muscular
reconstruction,
(iii)
stable
isotope
geochemistry,
(iv)
body
mass
estimations,
(v)
traditional
and/or
geometric
morphometric
analysis,
(vi)
lever
modelling,
(vii)
finite
element
analysis
accurately.
Our
provides
specific
methodologies
implement
discusses
complications
future
researchers
should
keep
mind.
note
current
forms
assessment
mesowear,
skull
morphometrics,
certain
systems
yet
be
proven
effective
at
discerning
On
report
state
avialan
which
remains
very
incomplete.
ancestral
condition
unclear
due
scarce
data
contradictory
evidence
Archaeopteryx.
Among
early
pygostylians,
Confuciusornis
mechanical
advantage
pointing
herbivory,
whilst
Sapeornis
only
indicating
granivory,
agreeing
fossilised
ingested
material
known
taxon.
enantiornithine
ornithothoracine
Shenqiornis
pedal
carnivory.
In
hongshanornithid
ornithuromorph
Hongshanornis
indicates
but
agrees
gastrolith
ingestion
Mechanical
fish
support
carnivory
songlingornithid
Yanornis.
Due
sparsity
robust
assignments,
clear
trends
evolution
emerged.
Dietary
seems
increase
through
time,
preservational
bias
associated
predominance
from
Early
Cretaceous
Jehol
Lagerstätte.
With
new
framework
synthesis
diet,
expect
become
much
clearer
coming
years,
especially
fossils
other
locations
climates
found.
This
will
allow
deeper
more
role
played
Mesozoic
how
developed
into
pivotal
Journal of Morphology,
Год журнала:
2021,
Номер
282(3), С. 449 - 471
Опубликована: Янв. 4, 2021
Abstract
The
link
between
claw
morphology
and
function
has
been
historically
difficult
to
quantify,
analyze,
interpret.
In
this
study,
the
functional
of
vertebrate
claws
is
analyzed
using
measurements
taken
from
80
modern
specimens
spanning
birds,
mammals,
one
reptile.
Claw
were
chosen
for
their
potential
biomechanical
significance
a
revised,
expanded
categorization
defined
used.
This
scheme
result
an
extensive
literature
review
based
on
observed
mechanics
rather
than
animal's
overall
ecology,
important
departure
norm
followed
in
previous
studies.
A
principal
component
analysis
reveals
that
some
morphological
disparity
related
differences;
however,
different
categories
are
not
clearly
separated
solely
morphology.
linear
discriminant
successfully
classifies
81.25%
documented
categories.
When
posterior
probabilities
each
classification
examined,
next
highest
considered,
able
classify
96.25%
specimens.
Expressing
angle
terms
lengths
prior
incorporating
cross‐sectional
shape
data
both
serve
reduce
misclassification
rate.
use
biomechanically
meaningful
(rather
ecology)
improves
confidence
ability
infer
methods.
While
most
certainly
multiple
factors
(e.g.,
growth,
size,
etc.),
study
establishes
it
reflects
mechanical
more
previously
demonstrated.
Fossil record,
Год журнала:
2025,
Номер
28(1), С. 17 - 43
Опубликована: Янв. 3, 2025
Here
we
describe
a
new
specimen
of
Archaeopteryx
sp.
from
the
lower
Tithonian
Mörnsheim
Formation
in
Franconian
Alb
Bavaria,
Germany.
This
fossil
is
third
avialan
found
this
formation.
The
skeleton
comprises
right
forelimb
and
shoulder
as
well
fragments
left
both
hind
limbs.
lengths
humerus
ulna
are
most
similar
to
those
Munich
.
Despite
having
been
massively
altered
by
late
diagenesis,
it
can
be
referred
sp.,
based
on
morphology
furcula,
coracoid,
radius,
manual
ungual,
which
nests
within
morphospace
rather
than
that
Anchiornis
Phylogenetic
analyses
also
support
assignment
Due
fossil’s
state
preservation,
still-unresolved
taxonomy
genus
species
level,
an
identification
beyond
remains
impossible.
Fossil record,
Год журнала:
2025,
Номер
28(1), С. 17 - 43
Опубликована: Янв. 3, 2025
Here
we
describe
a
new
specimen
of
Archaeopteryx
sp.
from
the
lower
Tithonian
Mörnsheim
Formation
in
Franconian
Alb
Bavaria,
Germany.
This
fossil
is
third
avialan
found
this
formation.
The
skeleton
comprises
right
forelimb
and
shoulder
as
well
fragments
left
both
hind
limbs.
lengths
humerus
ulna
are
most
similar
to
those
Munich
.
Despite
having
been
massively
altered
by
late
diagenesis,
it
can
be
referred
sp.,
based
on
morphology
furcula,
coracoid,
radius,
manual
ungual,
which
nests
within
morphospace
rather
than
that
Anchiornis
Phylogenetic
analyses
also
support
assignment
Due
fossil’s
state
preservation,
still-unresolved
taxonomy
genus
species
level,
an
identification
beyond
remains
impossible.
BMC Ecology and Evolution,
Год журнала:
2025,
Номер
25(1)
Опубликована: Янв. 24, 2025
Abstract
Pterosaurs
were
the
first
vertebrates
to
evolve
active
flight.
The
lack
of
many
well-preserved
pterosaur
fossils
limits
our
understanding
functional
anatomy
and
behavior
these
flight
pioneers,
particularly
from
their
early
history
(Triassic
Middle
Jurassic).
Here
we
describe
in
detail
osteology
an
exceptionally
preserved
Jurassic
pterosaur,
holotype
Dearc
sgiathanach
Isle
Skye,
Scotland.
We
identify
new
autapomorphies
apparatus
(humerus
sternum),
which
further
support
distinctiveness
compared
with
other
early-diverging
pterosaurs
features,
such
as
vertebral
morphology,
shared
later-diverging
that
probably
developed
convergently
a
large
body
size
or
sign
modular
evolution.
used
extant
phylogenetic
bracketing
infer
principal
cranial
antebrachial
musculature,
indicating
had
anteriorly
placed
palatal
musculature
compensated
for
weak
temporal
jaw
adductors
wing
suggestive
style
reliant
on
powerful
adduction
protraction
humerus.
Comparisons
revealed
non-pterodactyloids
,
despite
overall
conservative
bauplans,
adapted
various
feeding
styles.
myology
are
indicative
predator
flew
hunted
above
lagoons
nearshore
environments
Jurassic.