New evidence concerning avian origins from the Late Cretaceous of Patagonia
Article Abstract:
The discovery of Unenlagia comahuensis gen. et sp. nov., a theropod dinosaur from Patagonia, will provide valuable information about the transition from the earliest known bird, the Upper Jurassic Archaeopteryx lithographica, and the Dromaeosauridae. A number of the features of the Unenlagia resemble birds more closely than those of any other non-avian theropod. The structure of the forelimb, for example, indicates an avian method of forelimb folding, while this dinosaur also has the large forelimb elevation required for powered flight.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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New evidence on deinonychosaurian dinosaurs from the late Cretaceous of Patagonia
Article Abstract:
A new, Late Cretaceous member of the clade, 'Neuquenraptor argentinus' that represents uncontroversial evidence of a deinonychosaurian theropod in the Southern Hemisphere is reported. The new discovery demonstrates that Cretaceous theropod faunas from the southern continents shared greater similarity with those of the northern landmasses than previously thought.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2005
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Large Cretaceous sphenodontian from Patagonia provides insight into lepidosaur evolution in Gondwana
Article Abstract:
The early Cretaceous record of sphenodontians, which has been interpreted in reflecting the decline of the group of lizards in Gondwana is described. Lepidosaurs are a diverse group of reptiles which include more than 6000 species of lizards, snakes, amphisbaenian and tuataras.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2003
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