Archaeorhynchus
|
Archaeorhynchus Temporal range: Early Cretaceous, 125–120 Ma |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Fossil specimen | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Clade: | Ornithothoraces |
| Clade: | Euornithes |
| Genus: |
†Archaeorhynchus Zhou & Zhang, 2006 |
| Species: | †A. spathula |
| Binomial name | |
|
Archaeorhynchus spathula Zhou & Zhang, 2006 |
|
Archaeorhynchus is a genus of beaked avialans (proto-birds) from the early Cretaceous period. A fossil of its only known species, Archaeorhynchus spathula, was first reported in 2005 by Zhou & Zhang to have been found in Yixian Formation rocks at Yixian, Liaoning province, China, showing a well-preserved and essentially complete skeleton. Two more complete specimens were found in Lower Cretaceous deposits of Jianchang, Liaoning, northeastern China, preserving new anatomical information. These deposits are 120 million years old, whereas the original specimen was 125 million years old, meaning the age range for this species is 125-120Ma.
Archaeorhychus is one of the earliest avialans to have a beak homologous with those of modern birds, and represents one of the most basal ornithuromorph avialans. The fossils preserved feathers associated with the neck, head and tail regions. The fossils also show grooves and openings/ holes (foramina) on the tips of the upper and lower jaws, suggesting that it supported a horny bill. Other features present suggest powerful flight capability similar to that of some modern birds. It has also been suggested that it had an herbivorous diet based on preserved gizzard stones found in its stomach.
Archaeorhynchus was a medium size avialan, measuring about 20 centimetres (7.9 in) long. The three specimens have well-preserved skulls showing important anatomical information, including: slender maxilla and premaxilla, short nasals and discrete mandible elements. The skull bones of the holotype were slightly dislocated due to transportation. All three known fossil specimens have a preserved vertebrae column, although they are not entirely complete. However, when combining the three specimens together, the whole spine could be reconstructed. Based on reconstruction of the vertebrae, it was estimated that the backbone had 9 or 10 neck vertebrae and 9 or 10 tail vertebrae. The back vertebrae were not preserved.Archaeorhynchus had slender and curved vertebral ribs (ribs that do not attach to the breastbone) with robust and strong bases. The pectoral girdle had a robust and U shaped wishbone, a slightly curved shoulder blade, a short and robust coracoid and a broad and deeply notched breastbone. The hips had an unfused illium, a slender and curved pubis with a small pubic foot and a strap like ischium which is shorter than the pubis.
...
Wikipedia