Abstract
The discovery of Hongshanornis longicresta, a small ornithuromorph bird with unusually long hindlimb proportions, was followed by the discovery of two closely related species, Longicrusavis houi and Parahongshanornis chaoyangensis. Together forming the Hongshanornithidae, these species reveal important information about the early diversity and morphological specialization of ornithuromorphs, the clade that contains all living birds. Here we report on a new specimen (DNHM D2945/6) referable to Hongshanornis longicresta that contributes significant information to better understand the morphology, trophic ecology, and aerodynamics of this species, as well as the taxonomy of the Hongshanornithidae. Most notable are the well-preserved wings and feathered tail of DNHM D2945/6, which afford an accurate reconstruction of aerodynamic parameters indicating that as early as 125 million years ago, basal ornithuromorphs had evolved aerodynamic surfaces comparable in size and design to those of many modern birds, and flight modes alike to those of some small living birds.
Highlights
Until the recent discoveries from the Jehol Group (Zhou & Zhang, 2007; Chiappe, 2007; O’Connor, Chiappe & Bell, 2011; Zhou, Zhou & O’Connor, 2012) and other Early Cretaceous sites (You et al, 2006) in northern China, the morphological and taxonomical diversity of the basal Ornithuromorpha—which advanced members include all living birds—remained one of the most poorly understood chapters of avian evolutionary history
The abundant discoveries from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Group of northern China have resulted in the recognition of a diversity of basal ornithuromorph taxa (e.g., Yanornis martini, Yixianornis grabaui, Gansus yumenensis, Hongshanornis longicresta, Archaeorhynchus spathula, Longicrusavis houi, Parahongshanornis chaoyangensis, Jianchangornis microdonta, Schizooura lii, Piscivoravis lii) (Zhou & Zhang, 2001; Zhou & Zhang, 2005; Zhou & Zhang, 2006; Clarke, Zhou & Zhang, 2006; You et al, 2006; Zhou, Zhang & Li, 2009; O’Connor, Gao & Chiappe, 2010; Li et al, 2010; Zhou, Zhou & O’Connor, 2012; Zhou, Zhou & O’Connor, 2013a), which are known by nearly complete specimens and in some instances by multiple specimens (e.g., Yanornis martini, Gansus yumenensis, Archaeorhynchus spathula)
These specimens have significantly helped to refine our understanding of basal ornithuromorph morphology but despite these recent advances, specimens of these birds remain relatively rare, the vast majority of the Chinese Early Cretaceous birds belong to more primitive groups such as Enantiornithes and basal pygostylians (e.g., Confuciusornithidae, Sapeornithidae)
Summary
Until the recent discoveries from the Jehol Group (Zhou & Zhang, 2007; Chiappe, 2007; O’Connor, Chiappe & Bell, 2011; Zhou, Zhou & O’Connor, 2012) and other Early Cretaceous sites (You et al, 2006) in northern China, the morphological and taxonomical diversity of the basal Ornithuromorpha—which advanced members include all living birds—remained one of the most poorly understood chapters of avian evolutionary history. The abundant discoveries from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Group of northern China have resulted in the recognition of a diversity of basal ornithuromorph taxa (e.g., Yanornis martini, Yixianornis grabaui, Gansus yumenensis, Hongshanornis longicresta, Archaeorhynchus spathula, Longicrusavis houi, Parahongshanornis chaoyangensis, Jianchangornis microdonta, Schizooura lii, Piscivoravis lii) (Zhou & Zhang, 2001; Zhou & Zhang, 2005; Zhou & Zhang, 2006; Clarke, Zhou & Zhang, 2006; You et al, 2006; Zhou, Zhang & Li, 2009; O’Connor, Gao & Chiappe, 2010; Li et al, 2010; Zhou, Zhou & O’Connor, 2012; Zhou, Zhou & O’Connor, 2013a), which are known by nearly complete specimens (albeit for the most part preserved bi-dimensionally) and in some instances by multiple specimens (e.g., Yanornis martini, Gansus yumenensis, Archaeorhynchus spathula). The complete wing and tail surfaces of DNHM D2945/6, which arguably boasts one of the best-preserved fan-shaped tails from the Mesozoic, reveals important new information about the integumentary evolution and flight capabilities of basal ornithuromorphs
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