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.

Physiological aspects, Identification and classification, Fossils, Taxonomy (Biology), Birds

---

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.

Food and nutrition, Paleontology, Mesozoic Era, Sauropterygians, Plesiosauria

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Science and religion. Is science losing out in the race for recognition?
• Abstracts: Caudal is the Hox gene that specifies the most posterior Drosophile segment. Many vessels, faulty gene
• Abstracts: Evidence from a landscape population model of the importance of early successional habitat to the American redstart
• Abstracts: New designs in cholesteric colour. Lasing from a molecular sieve. Colour-blind camouflage

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.