Did parrots exist in the Cretaceous period?
Article Abstract:
There is much debate about the timing of the origin of modern birds, with the traditional view that modern groups did not appear until the Tertiary, after the end-Cretaceous extinction event. A recent study, based on molecular divergence data, indicates that many of the major clades were present in the Cretaceous. An avian dentary symphysis of a supposed parrot like bird from the Cretaceous Lance Formation of North America was recently described, but further fossil material of a similar age needs to be assigned with confidence to the Psittaciformes.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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Cretaceous plesiosaurs ate ammonites
Article Abstract:
Research suggests that the Mesozoic marine reptile Plesiosauria preyed on ammonites. Gastrolid ammonites have been discovered in the skeleton of a polycotylid short-necked plesiosaur excavated from Hokkaido, Japan. Evidence indicates that the gastrolids were eaten rather than swept alongside the plesiosaur during preservation. The skeletal remains of plesiosaur gastralia are illustrated.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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