Open AccessA new basal ornithuromorph bird ( A ves: O rnithothoraces) from the E arly C retaceous of C hina with implication for morphology of early O rnithuromorpha
Author(s) -
Wang Min,
Zhou Zhonghe,
Zhou Shuang
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
zoological journal of the linnean society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.148
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1096-3642
pISSN - 0024-4082
DOI - 10.1111/zoj.12302
Subject(s) - cretaceous , biology , morphology (biology) , taxon , tetrapod (structure) , sternum , basal (medicine) , paleontology , phylogenetic tree , zoology , insulin , endocrinology , biochemistry , gene
Ornithuromorpha is the most derived avian group in the E arly C retaceous, advanced members of which encompass all living birds ( N eornithes). Here we report on a new basal ornithuromorph bird, Bellulia rectusunguis gen. et sp. nov., represented by a nearly complete skeleton from the E arly C retaceous J ehol B iota in northeastern C hina. A comprehensive phylogenetic analysis resolved the new taxon in a basal position that is only more derived than Archaeorhynchus and Jianchangornis among ornithuromorphs, increasing the morphological diversity of basal ornithuromorphs. The new specimen has a V ‐shaped furcula with a short hypocleidium, a feature otherwise known only in Schizooura among C retaceous ornithuromorphs. We discuss the implications of the new taxon on the evolution of morphology of primitive ornithuromorphs, particularly of pectoral girdle, sternum and limb proportion pertaining to powered flight. The preserved gastroliths and pedal morphology indicate herbivory and lakeshore adaption for this new species. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London