Abstract
ABSTRACT The fossil record of condors in South America is relatively extensive. However, fossil specimens from the late Pleistocene of Argentina are still very scarce. Here, we describe fragmentary remains of a large sized cathartid of the condor lineage. The new specimen is represented by an incomplete ulna, radius and metacarpal belonging to the Lujanian (Late Pleistocene) of San Pedro locality, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Its large size (it is among the largest cathartids reported up to the date) and some anatomical details indicate that it belongs to a previously unrecognised taxon. The new specimen reinforces previous proposals indicating a high diversification of condors at South American lowlands, and indicates that the Pleistocene history of the clade is far from being satisfactorily known. The extinction of giant scavenger birds in South America may be not only related to the extinction of their food resources (i.e., megafauna) but also to ecological constraints that characterise large-sized birds.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.