Tiny two-toed Early Cretaceous theropod sprinting track: wing assisted?
Perhaps not.
Not mentioned in the text, Late Jurassic Hesperornithoides (Fig 1) has relatively long legs and small feet. Here a smaller (juvenile?) version of that morphology fits the tracks without flapping.
Figure 1b from Dececchi et al 2024. Here long legged, small toed Hesperornithoides added to scale and reduced to show a juvenile version fitting the tracks.
” data-medium-file=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/skorea_theropod_track588.jpg?w=267″ data-large-file=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/skorea_theropod_track588.jpg?w=584″ class=”size-full wp-image-89249″ src=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/skorea_theropod_track588.jpg” alt=”Figure 1b from Dececchi et al 2024. Here long legged, small toed Hesperornithoides added to scale and reduced to show a juvenile version fitting the tracks. ” width=”584″ height=”657″ />
Figure 1b from Dececchi et al 2024. Here long legged, small toed Hesperornithoides added to scale and reduced to show a juvenile version fitting the tracks.
From the Dececchi et al 2024 abstract
“Here, we explore this potential by reexamining one of the smallest and fastest known
theropod trackways (Trackway 2) from the Lower Cretaceous (Albian) Jinju Formation
of South Korea.We considered whether these microraptorine tracks were produced
under purely hindlimb power or if they also involved, at least partially, forelimb-generated
aerodynamic forces. Given the suggested aerial status of microraptorines like Microraptor, this trackway is a candidate to support previously proposed aerial locomotion. We
evaluate this hypothesis and discuss the significance of our results for understanding
theropod locomotor evolution.”
A FB note to first author Dececchi
started a short conversation in which he indicated the foot of Hesperornithoides was too large to fit the track. I then reminded Dececchi that the illustration (Fig 1) hypothesized an ankle-high juvenile, as yet undocumented in the fossil record. Hatchlings are to be expected for all taxa.
References
Dececchi TA et al (6 co-authors) 2024. Theropod trackways as indirect evidence of pre-avian aerial behavior. PNAS 121(44):e2413810121
Publicity
https://cmns.umd.edu/news-events/news/thomas-holtz-helps-solve-mystery-microraptorine-footprints
https://www.science.org/content/article/glide-and-stride-tiny-feathered-dino-flapped-it-ran
Source: https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/2024/11/02/tiny-two-toed-early-cretaceous-theropod-sprinting-track-wing-assisted/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Online: | |
| Visits: | 1,657,318,109 |
| Stories: | 8,298,705 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
