Table of Contents - PeerJ (Biology Articles)

Hongshanornis longicresta

A new specimen of the Early Cretaceous bird Hongshanornis longicresta

Hongshanornis longicresta is a recently discovered early species of bird. In this peer-reviewed article, the authors describe a new fossil specimen that improves our understanding of the morphology, trophic ecology, and aerodynamics of the species. In particular, the wings and feathered tail of this specimen are very well preserved, which allows the researchers to show that as early as 125 million years ago, basal ornithuromorphs had evolved aerodynamic surfaces comparable in size and design to those of many modern birds

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