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Article: Oldest, smallest and phylogenetically most basal pelagornithid, from the early Paleocene of New Zealand, sheds light on the evolutionary history of the largest flying birds

Papers in Palaeontology - Volume 7 Issue 1 - Cover
Publication: Papers in Palaeontology
Volume: 7
Part: 1
Publication Date: Febuary 2021
Page(s): 217 233
Author(s): Gerald Mayr, Vanesa L. De Pietri, Leigh Love, Al Mannering, and Richard Paul Scofield
DOI: 10.1002/spp2.1284
Addition Information

How to Cite

MAYR, G., PIETRI, V.L.D., LOVE, L., MANNERING, A., SCOFIELD, R.P. 2021. . Papers in Palaeontology, 7, 1, 217-233. DOI: /doi/10.1002/spp2.1284

Author Information

  • Gerald Mayr - Ornithological Section Senckenberg Research Institute & Natural History Museum Frankfurt Senckenberganlage 25 D‐60325 Frankfurt am Main Germany
  • Vanesa L. De Pietri - Canterbury Museum Rolleston Avenue Christchurch 8050 New Zealand
  • Leigh Love - PO Box 49 Waipara 7483 New Zealand
  • Al Mannering - Canterbury Museum Rolleston Avenue Christchurch 8050 New Zealand
  • Richard Paul Scofield - Canterbury Museum Rolleston Avenue Christchurch 8050 New Zealand

Publication History

  • Issue published online: 08 March 2021
  • Manuscript Accepted: 15 May 2019
  • Manuscript Received: 18 February 2019

Funded By

Marsden Fund

Online Version Hosted By

Wiley Online Library
Get Article: Wiley Online Library [Pay-to-View Access] |

Abstract

The Cenozoic Pelagornithidae, or pseudotoothed birds, are characterized by unique bony projections along the cutting edges of the beak. These birds were previously known from late Paleocene to Pliocene fossil sites and some species reached wingspans up to 6.4 m. Here we describe a partial skeleton of a small‐sized pelagornithid from the early Paleocene of New Zealand. Protodontopteryx ruthae gen. et sp. nov. is the oldest record of the clade, the smallest known species, and the first pre‐Eocene pelagornithid from the Southern Hemisphere. The skull of the new species exhibits the characteristic pelagornithid morphology, but the postcranial skeleton distinctly differs from other pelagornithids, and various plesiomorphic features indicate that it is the earliest‐diverging representative of the Pelagornithidae. The much stouter humerus suggests that the new species was less adapted to sustained soaring than previously known pelagornithids. Pseudoteeth therefore evolved before pelagornithids became highly specialized gliders. Unlike the giant Neogene pelagornithid species, which presumably were skimmers, early Paleocene pelagornithids are likely to have targeted selected prey items and may have been predominantly piscivorous. The new species furthermore suggests that pelagornithids evolved in the Southern Hemisphere and documents a very early radiation of neornithine seabirds, which may have been triggered by changes in marine ecosystems around the K–Pg boundary.

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