Avian Ancestors A Review of the Phylogenetic Relationships of the Theropods Unenlagiidae, Microraptoria, Anchiornis and Scansoriopterygidae /

Although consensus exists among researchers that birds evolved from coelurosaurian theropods, paleontologists still debate the identification of the group of coelurosaurians that most closely approaches the common ancestor of birds. The last 20 years witnessed the discovery of a wide array of avian-...

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Main Authors: Agnolin, Federico. (Author, http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators/aut), Novas, Fernando E. (http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators/aut)
Corporate Author: SpringerLink (Online service)
Language:English
Published: Dordrecht : Springer Netherlands : Imprint: Springer, 2013.
Edition:1st ed. 2013.
Series:SpringerBriefs in Earth System Sciences,
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5637-3
Table of Contents:
  • Introduction
  • Institutional abbreviations
  • Comparison: general information about the main taxa to be compared in the present paper
  • Phylogenetic analysis: review of available phylogenetic hypotheses about the origin of birds, discussing their respective logical bases and discussion of characters used for their support
  • Systematic Paleontology: systematic arrangement
  • Discussion
  • Evolution of feathers and wings among basal paravians
  • Osteological and integumental modifications related to the origin of flight
  • Body size increase and loss of flying capabilities among paravians
  • Independent origin of flying capabilities among paravians
  • Averaptoran radiation and center of origin of birds
  • Bibliography
  • Character list.