Exceptional preservation and foot structure reveal ecological transitions and lifestyles of early theropod flyers
The shape of bird toe pads and foot scales can be used to infer their behaviour. Here, the authors examine fossil evidence of toe pads and scales, in addition to claws and bones, from birds and close relatives, illustrating diverse lifestyles and ecological roles among early theropod flyers.
Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2022-12-01
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Series: | Nature Communications |
Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-35039-1 |