Archaeorhynchus preserving significant soft tissue including probable fossilized lungs
Abstract
Archaeorhynchus spathula is a basal member of the Ornithuromorpha, the lineage that includes neornithines. Although this is the fifth reported specimen, unlike the others it preserves significant soft tissue, revealing a tail morphology previously unknown in Mesozoic birds and an exceptional occurrence of fossilized lung tissue. This identification is based on topographical location and anatomical features revealed mainly by scanning electron microscopy. A structure similar to that in neornithines indicates that the 120-Ma-old Archaeorhynchus may have been capable of acquiring the large quantities of oxygen needed to support powered flight. Skeletal features related to respiration remain primitive, supporting inferences that many physiological adaptations preceded skeletal changes during the evolution of the anatomically modern bird.
- Publication:
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- November 2018
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1805803115
- Bibcode:
- 2018PNAS..11511555W