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Growth patterns in brooding dinosaurs reveals the timing of sexual maturity in non-avian dinosaurs and genesis of the avian condition

Authors :
Erickson, Gregory M
Curry Rogers, Kristina
Varricchio, David J
Norell, Mark A
Xu, Xing
Source :
Biology Letters; October 2007, Vol. 3 Issue: 5 p558-561, 4p
Publication Year :
2007

Abstract

The timing of sexual maturation in non-avian dinosaurs is not known. In extant squamates and crocodilians it occurs in conjunction with the initial slowing of growth rates as adult size is approached. In birds (living dinosaurs) on the other hand, reproductive activity begins well after somatic maturity. Here we used growth line counts and spacing in all of the known brooding non-avian dinosaurs to determine the stages of development when they perished. It was revealed that sexual maturation occurred well before full adult size was reached—the primitive reptilian condition. In this sense, the life history and physiology of non-avian dinosaurs was not like that of modern birds. Palaeobiological ramifications of these findings include the potential to deduce reproductive lifespan, fecundity and reproductive population sizes in non-avian dinosaurs, as well as aid in the identification of secondary sexual characteristics.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
17449561 and 1744957X
Volume :
3
Issue :
5
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Biology Letters
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
ejs50536966
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2007.0254