Anatomy of the Early Cretaceous enantiornithine bird Rapaxavis pani

• Autorzy: O'Connor J.K. , Chiappe L. M. , Gao C. , Zhao B.
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

The exquisitely preserved longipterygid enantiornithine Rapaxavis pani is redescribed here after more extensive preparation. A complete review of its morphology is presented based on information gathered before and after preparation. Among other features, Rapaxavis pani is characterized by having an elongate rostrum (close to 60% of the skull length), rostrally restricted dentition, and schizorhinal external nares. Yet, the most puzzling feature of this bird is the presence of a pair of pectoral bones (here termed paracoracoidal ossifications) that, with the exception of the enantiornithine Concornis lacustris, are unknown within Aves. Particularly notable is the presence of a distal tarsal cap, formed by the fusion of distal tarsal elements, a feature that is controversial in non−ornithuromorph birds. The holotype and only known specimen of Rapaxavis pani thus reveals important information for better understanding the anatomy and phylogenetic relationships of longipterygids, in particular, as well as basal birds as a whole.

Słowa kluczowe

EN

anatomy; Early Cretaceous; enantiornithine bird; bird; Rapaxavis pani; Aves; Enantiornithes; Longipterygidae; Rapaxavis; Jiufotang Formation; Cretaceous; China; paleontology

• Wydawca: -
• Czasopismo: Acta Palaeontologica Polonica
• Rocznik: 2011
• Tom: 56
• Numer: 3
• Opis fizyczny: p.463-475,fig.,ref.

Twórcy

autor

O'Connor J.K.

• Laboratory of Evolutionary Systematics of Vertebrates, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, 142 Xizhimenwaidajie, Beijing, China

autor

Chiappe L. M.

autor

Gao C.

autor

Zhao B.

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