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Ultraviolet light illuminates the avian nature of the Berlin Archaeopteryx skeleton.
- Source :
-
Scientific reports [Sci Rep] 2019 Apr 24; Vol. 9 (1), pp. 6518. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 Apr 24. - Publication Year :
- 2019
-
Abstract
- The question of whether the iconic avialan Archaeopteryx was capable of active flapping flight or only passive gliding is still unresolved. This study contributes to this debate by reporting on two key aspects of this fossil that are visible under ultraviolet (UV) light. In contrast to previous studies, we show that most of the vertebral column of the Berlin Archaeopteryx possesses intraosseous pneumaticity, and that pneumatic structures also extend beyond the anterior thoracic vertebrae in other specimens of Archaeopteryx. With a minimum Pneumaticity Index (PI) of 0.39, Archaeopteryx had a much more lightweight skeleton than has been previously reported, comprising an air sac-driven respiratory system with the potential for a bird-like, high-performance metabolism. The neural spines of the 16 <superscript>th</superscript> to 22 <superscript>nd</superscript> presacral vertebrae in the Berlin Archaeopteryx are bridged by interspinal ossifications, and form a rigid notarium-like structure similar to the condition seen in modern birds. This reinforced vertebral column, combined with the extensive development of air sacs, suggests that Archaeopteryx was capable of flapping its wings for cursorial and/or aerial locomotion.
- Subjects :
- Air Sacs anatomy & histology
Air Sacs physiology
Animals
Berlin
Biological Evolution
Birds physiology
Dinosaurs physiology
Flight, Animal physiology
Skeleton physiology
Ultraviolet Rays
Wings, Animal physiology
Birds anatomy & histology
Dinosaurs anatomy & histology
Fossils
Musculoskeletal System anatomy & histology
Skeleton anatomy & histology
Wings, Animal anatomy & histology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 2045-2322
- Volume :
- 9
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Scientific reports
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 31019224
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-42823-5