A new family of monotremes from the Cretaceous of Australia
Article Abstract:
The existence of different families of monotremes during the Early Cretaceous period in the Gondwana region of Australia indicates a history of evolution and diversification significantly earlier than the Cretaceous with one dispersal of ornithorhynchids, by early Paleocene, to the South American sector. A study of the Mesozoic mammal, Kollikodon ritchiei shows that kollikodontids may be close associates of tachyglossids, ornithorhynchids and steropodontids. The dental morphology of these monotremes are discussed.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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Ground rules for early birds
Article Abstract:
The discovery of fossil birds from the 75-million-year-old Upper Cretaceous of Mongolia is reported. The specimens were designated as Mononychus and are important because they provide an unambiguous character set that could be the basis for changes in the understanding of primitive birds. One of the most striking features of the specimens was a forelimb which is short, powerfully built and bears single digit with a robust claw, indicating a flightless bird.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1993
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A large French Cretaceous bird
Article Abstract:
Synsacrum fragments of a large bird were discovered in the continental Upper Cretaceous of South-Eastern France. Fossil eggs found in the Upper Cretaceous of Provence and presumed to be Dinosaur eggs could be bird eggs as suggested by this discovery. Anatomical details considered for classifying this fragment to be that of a bird are discussed.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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