A new Archaeopteryx from the lower Tithonian Mörnsheim Formation at Mühlheim (Late Jurassic)

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.

Язык: Английский

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The first specimen ofArchaeopteryxfrom the Upper Jurassic Mörnsheim Formation of Germany

Historical Biology, Год журнала: 2018, Номер 31(1), С. 3 - 63

Опубликована: Окт. 24, 2018

From an initial isolated position as the oldest evolutionary prototype of a bird, Archaeopteryx has, result recent fossil discoveries, become embedded in rich phylogenetic context both more and less crownward stem-group birds. This has prompted debate over whether is simply convergently bird-like non-avialan theropod. Here we show, using first synchrotron microtomographic examination genus, that eighth or Daiting specimen possesses character suite robustly constrains it basal avialan (primitive bird). The specimen, which comes from Mörnsheim Formation thus younger than other specimens underlying Solnhofen Formation, distinctive enough to merit designation new species, albersdoerferi sp. nov., but recovered close proximity lithographica. Skeletal innovations such fusion pneumatization cranial bones, well vascularized pectoral girdle wing elements, reinforced configuration carpals metacarpals, suggest may have had characters seen flying birds older These appear be convergent on those avialans, suggesting Bavarian archaeopterygids independently acquired increasingly traits time. Such mosaic evolution iterative exploration adaptive space typical for major functional transitions like origin flight.

Язык: Английский

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Inferring lifestyle for Aves and Theropoda: A model based on curvatures of extant avian ungual bones

PLoS ONE, Год журнала: 2020, Номер 15(2), С. e0211173 - e0211173

Опубликована: Фев. 5, 2020

Claws are involved in a number of behaviours including locomotion and prey capture, as result animals evolve claw morphologies that enable these functions. Past authors have found geometry the keratinous sheath to correlate with mode life for extant birds squamates; this relationship has frequently been cited infer lifestyles Mesozoic theropods Archaeopteryx. However, many fossil claws lack sheaths thus cannot be analysed using current methods. As ungual phalanx within is more commonly preserved record, bone may provide useful metric paleontological analysis. In study, bones 108 5 squamates were imaged X-ray techniques was between curvatures pedal digit III four modes life; ground-dwelling, perching, predatory, scansorial; linear discriminant analysis weighted accuracy equal 0.79. Our model predicts arboreal Archaeopteryx Microraptor predatory ecology Confuciusornis. These findings demonstrate utility our answering questions palaeoecology, theropod-bird transition, evolution avian flight. Though exhibits strong correlation lifestyle, morphospaces PD-III overlap so should considered alongside additional evidence.

Язык: Английский

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Avian palaeoneurology: Reflections on the eve of its 200th anniversary

Journal of Anatomy, Год журнала: 2020, Номер 236(6), С. 965 - 979

Опубликована: Янв. 30, 2020

In birds, the brain (especially telencephalon) is remarkably developed, both in relative volume and complexity. Unlike most early-branching sauropsids, adults of birds other archosaurs have a well-ossified neurocranium. contrast to situation their reptilian relatives but similar what can be seen mammals, brains fit closely endocranial cavity so that major external features are reflected endocasts. This makes highly suitable group for palaeoneurological investigations. The first observation about long-extinct bird was made quarter 19th century. However, it not until 2000s application modern imaging technologies avian palaeoneurology really took off. Understanding how mode life morphology one several future directions which research may extend. Although number fossil specimens explorations considerably smaller than mammals will very likely remain so, coming years certainly witness momentous strengthening this rapidly growing field at overlap between ornithology, palaeontology, evolutionary biology neurosciences.

Язык: Английский

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Anatomy of Parahesperornis: Evolutionary Mosaicism in the Cretaceous Hesperornithiformes (Aves)

Life, Год журнала: 2020, Номер 10(5), С. 62 - 62

Опубликована: Май 14, 2020

The Hesperornithiformes constitute the first known avian lineage to secondarily lose flight in exchange for evolution of a highly derived foot-propelled diving lifestyle, thus representing truly aquatic birds. First unearthed 19th century, and today from numerous Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian-Maastrichtian) sites distributed across northern hemisphere, these toothed birds have become icons early evolution. Initially erected as taxon 1984 by L. D. Martin, Parahesperornis alexi is two most complete hesperornithiform specimens discovered date has yet be fully described. P. contributes significantly our understanding birds, despite often being neglected favor iconic Hesperornis. Here, we present full anatomical description based upon nearly collections University Kansas Natural History Museum, well an extensive comparison other taxa. This study reveals possess mosaic basal traits found among taxa, indicating transitional form describes broad evolutionary patterns within Hesperornithiformes, highlighting significance not only incredible example ecological specializations, but also modern bird evolution, they are last divergence pre-modern diversification.

Язык: Английский

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