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Article
Open AccessMorphological disparity and structural performance of the dromaeosaurid skull informs ecology and evolutionary history
Non-avialan theropod dinosaurs had diverse ecologies and varied skull morphologies. Previous studies of theropod cranial morphology mostly focused on higher-level taxa or characteristics associated with herbiv...
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Article
Open AccessExceptional preservation and foot structure reveal ecological transitions and lifestyles of early theropod flyers
Morphology of keratinised toe pads and foot scales, hinging of foot joints and claw shape and size all inform the gras** ability, cursoriality and feeding mode of living birds. Presented here is morphologica...
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Article
Open AccessDiet of Mesozoic toothed birds (Longipterygidae) inferred from quantitative analysis of extant avian diet proxies
Birds are key indicator species in extant ecosystems, and thus we would expect extinct birds to provide insights into the nature of ancient ecosystems. However, many aspects of extinct bird ecology, particular...
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Article
Open AccessDisassociated rhamphotheca of fossil bird Confuciusornis informs early beak reconstruction, stress regime, and developmental patterns
Soft tissue preservation in fossil birds provides a rare window into their anatomy, function, and development. Here, we present an exceptionally-preserved specimen of Confuciusornis which, through Laser-Stimulate...
