Article Abstract:
The early Jurassic bird, Confuciusornis sanctus, discovered in the Liaoning Province, China, shows a combination of primitive and modern avian characteristics. The skull is similar to that of late Cretaceous Gobipteryx and modern birds while the wings and skeletal system are similar to that of Archaeopteryx. The combination of an advanced skull morphology with an Archaeopteryx-like postcranial skeleton exemplifies the mosaic evolution. These birds were widely distributed by the Late Jurassic era and could climb trees but were unable to fly properly.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
A new species of Confuciusornis, the oldest beaked bird, has been identified as a result of the discovery of an extremely well preserved skeleton within the Yixian Formation in Liaoning, China. This skeleton has feathers and provides the first direct evidence in the Mesozoic record of the shape of a horny beak. The skull shows some critical features of Confuciusornis, while the humerus is typical of Confuciusornis in having a very clear proximal end with an oval depression. The foot has extremely recurved claws and a reversed hallux.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
A Velociraptor wishbone has been presented by Norell et al as evidence for birds having a theropod origin, but there are problems with this view. The problems relate to function, structure and chronology, for example the earliest birds occurred before Velociraptors. There are also differences between the structure of the Velociraptor specimen and those of primitive birds from the Mesozoic period. Furthermore, differences in articulation are apparent between birds and Velociraptors.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: