We welcome any new interpretation or alternative hypothesis regarding the taxonomic affinity of t... more We welcome any new interpretation or alternative hypothesis regarding the taxonomic affinity of the enigmatic Oculudentavis khaungraae. However, here we demonstrate that Li et al. have failed to provide conclusive evidence for the reidentification of HPG-15-3 as a squamate. We analyse this specimen in a matrix that includes a broad sample of diapsid reptiles and resolve support for this identification only when no avian taxa are included. Regardless of whether this peculiar skull belongs to a tiny bird or to a bizarre new group of lizards, the holotype of Oculudentavis khaungraae is a very interesting and unusual specimen, the discovery of which represents an important contribution to palaeontology. Its discovery documents a potential new case of convergent evolution in reptiles, while highlighting the importance of amber deposits for documenting taxa not recorded in sedimentary deposits.
Over the last three years, Burmese amber (~99 Ma, from Myanmar) has provided a series of immature... more Over the last three years, Burmese amber (~99 Ma, from Myanmar) has provided a series of immature enantiornithine skeletal remains preserved in varying developmental stages and degrees of completeness. These specimens have improved our knowledge based on compression fossils in Cretaceous sedimentary rocks, adding details of three-dimensional structure and soft tissues that are rarely preserved elsewhere. Here we describe a remarkably well-preserved foot, accompanied by part of the wing plumage. These body parts were likely dismembered, entering the resin due to predatory or scavenging behaviour by a larger animal. The new specimen preserves contour feathers on the pedal phalanges together with enigmatic scutellae scale filament (SSF) feathers on the foot, providing direct analogies to the plumage patterns observed in modern birds, and those cultivated through developmental manipulation studies. Ultimately, this connection may allow researchers to observe how filamentous dinosaur ‘pr...
In his correspondence, Markus Lambertz [1] raises some concerns about the phylogenetic placement ... more In his correspondence, Markus Lambertz [1] raises some concerns about the phylogenetic placement and feather development of DIP-V-15103, the amber-entombed tail section that we recently reported [2] as fragmentary remains of a non-pygostylian coelurosaur (likely within the basal part of Coelurosauria). We here would like to respond to these concerns.
Our knowledge of Cretaceous plumage is limited by the fossil record itself: compression fossils s... more Our knowledge of Cretaceous plumage is limited by the fossil record itself: compression fossils surrounding skeletons lack the finest morphological details and seldom preserve visible traces of colour, while discoveries in amber have been disassociated from their source animals. Here we report the osteology, plumage and pterylosis of two exceptionally preserved theropod wings from Burmese amber, with vestiges of soft tissues. The extremely small size and osteological development of the wings, combined with their digit proportions, strongly suggests that the remains represent precocial hatchlings of enantiornithine birds. These specimens demonstrate that the plumage types associated with modern birds were present within single individuals of Enantiornithes by the Cenomanian (99 million years ago), providing insights into plumage arrangement and microstructure alongside immature skeletal remains. This finding brings new detail to our understanding of infrequently preserved juveniles, ...
Raw FTIR spectra of plant exudates, including resins, volatile-rich resins and gums. Supplement t... more Raw FTIR spectra of plant exudates, including resins, volatile-rich resins and gums. Supplement to: Tappert, R, AP Wolfe, RC McKellar, MC Tappert, K Muehlenbachs 2011 Characterizing modern and fossil gymnosperm exudates using micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Int J Plant Sci, 172: 120-138.
Abstract. Five new species and one new genus of Serphitidae microhymenoptera are described from U... more Abstract. Five new species and one new genus of Serphitidae microhymenoptera are described from Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) amber originating at the Grassy Lake locality in Alberta, Canada. New taxa include Serphites hynemani sp. n., Serphites bruesi sp. n., Serphites kuzminae sp. n., Serphites pygmaeus sp. n. and Jubaserphites ethani gen. et sp. n. Topotype material for the type species of Serphites, Serphites paradoxus Brues is re-illustrated and redescribed in greater detail, clarifying the characteristics of the species for ...
A new journal is introduced which disseminates the results of research conducted at or in associa... more A new journal is introduced which disseminates the results of research conducted at or in association with the University of Kansas on fossil insects and their relatives. The journal spans all aspects of paleoentomological research, extending beyond systematic studies to include works on insect-bearing deposits, and their taphonomy and ecology.
Dove and Straker question our interpretations of plumage from Late Cretaceous Canadian amber. Alt... more Dove and Straker question our interpretations of plumage from Late Cretaceous Canadian amber. Although we are able to refute concerns regarding both specimen taphonomy and misidentification as botanical fossils, unequivocal assignment to either birds or dinosaurs remains impossible, as we stated originally. However, reported observations and their further refinement herein are insufficient to falsify the hypothesized dinosaurian origin for protofeathers.
A new bethylid species, Celonophamia granama, and two new chrysidid species, Procleptes eoliami, ... more A new bethylid species, Celonophamia granama, and two new chrysidid species, Procleptes eoliami, and P. hopejohnsonae, are described from Late Cretaceous (Campanian) amber collected at the Grassy Lake locality in Alberta, Canada. Within the deposit these taxa constitute the first bethylid, and the second and third chrysidid species to be described, respectively. The new taxa expand the sparse fossil record of Chrysidoidea, particularly that of Chrysididae—a group that was previously represented by only three described species in the Mesozoic. The presence of Celonophamia species in both Canadian amber and Siberian (Taimyr) amber further emphasizes faunal similarities between these two northern Late Cretaceous amber deposits. Given the prevalence of metallic coloration in Chrysididae, the specimens described here also provide evidence for the taphonomic alteration of perceived insect colors in Cretaceous amber inclusions.KurzfassungAus dem oberkretazischen (Campanium) Bernstein, vom Fundort Grassy Lake in Alberta (Kanada), werden eine neue Bethyliden-Art, Celonophamia granama, und zwei neue Chrysididen-Arten, Procleptes eoliami und P. hopejohnsonae, beschrieben. Innerhalb der Lagerstätte stellen diese Taxa die erste Bethyliden-Art und die zweite und dritte Chrysididen-Art dar. Die neuen Taxa erweitern die spärliche Fossil-Überlieferung der Chrysidoidea, insbesondere die der Chrysididae—eine Gruppe, die zuvor nur durch drei, aus dem Mesozoikum beschriebene Arten, repräsentiert wurde. Das Vorhandensein von Celonophamia-Arten im kanadischen und sibirischen (Taimyr-Halbinsel) Bernstein, betont zusätzlich die Ähnlichkeiten in der Fauna zwischen diese beiden nördlichen Oberkreide Bernstein-Vorkommen. Angesichts des Vorherrschens einer metallischen Färbung bei den Chrysididae, belegen die hier beschriebenen Exemplare aber auch die taphonomische Veränderung der Insekten-Farben in kreidezeitlichen Bernstein-Einschlüssen.
We welcome any new interpretation or alternative hypothesis regarding the taxonomic affinity of t... more We welcome any new interpretation or alternative hypothesis regarding the taxonomic affinity of the enigmatic Oculudentavis khaungraae. However, here we demonstrate that Li et al. have failed to provide conclusive evidence for the reidentification of HPG-15-3 as a squamate. We analyse this specimen in a matrix that includes a broad sample of diapsid reptiles and resolve support for this identification only when no avian taxa are included. Regardless of whether this peculiar skull belongs to a tiny bird or to a bizarre new group of lizards, the holotype of Oculudentavis khaungraae is a very interesting and unusual specimen, the discovery of which represents an important contribution to palaeontology. Its discovery documents a potential new case of convergent evolution in reptiles, while highlighting the importance of amber deposits for documenting taxa not recorded in sedimentary deposits.
Over the last three years, Burmese amber (~99 Ma, from Myanmar) has provided a series of immature... more Over the last three years, Burmese amber (~99 Ma, from Myanmar) has provided a series of immature enantiornithine skeletal remains preserved in varying developmental stages and degrees of completeness. These specimens have improved our knowledge based on compression fossils in Cretaceous sedimentary rocks, adding details of three-dimensional structure and soft tissues that are rarely preserved elsewhere. Here we describe a remarkably well-preserved foot, accompanied by part of the wing plumage. These body parts were likely dismembered, entering the resin due to predatory or scavenging behaviour by a larger animal. The new specimen preserves contour feathers on the pedal phalanges together with enigmatic scutellae scale filament (SSF) feathers on the foot, providing direct analogies to the plumage patterns observed in modern birds, and those cultivated through developmental manipulation studies. Ultimately, this connection may allow researchers to observe how filamentous dinosaur ‘pr...
In his correspondence, Markus Lambertz [1] raises some concerns about the phylogenetic placement ... more In his correspondence, Markus Lambertz [1] raises some concerns about the phylogenetic placement and feather development of DIP-V-15103, the amber-entombed tail section that we recently reported [2] as fragmentary remains of a non-pygostylian coelurosaur (likely within the basal part of Coelurosauria). We here would like to respond to these concerns.
Our knowledge of Cretaceous plumage is limited by the fossil record itself: compression fossils s... more Our knowledge of Cretaceous plumage is limited by the fossil record itself: compression fossils surrounding skeletons lack the finest morphological details and seldom preserve visible traces of colour, while discoveries in amber have been disassociated from their source animals. Here we report the osteology, plumage and pterylosis of two exceptionally preserved theropod wings from Burmese amber, with vestiges of soft tissues. The extremely small size and osteological development of the wings, combined with their digit proportions, strongly suggests that the remains represent precocial hatchlings of enantiornithine birds. These specimens demonstrate that the plumage types associated with modern birds were present within single individuals of Enantiornithes by the Cenomanian (99 million years ago), providing insights into plumage arrangement and microstructure alongside immature skeletal remains. This finding brings new detail to our understanding of infrequently preserved juveniles, ...
Raw FTIR spectra of plant exudates, including resins, volatile-rich resins and gums. Supplement t... more Raw FTIR spectra of plant exudates, including resins, volatile-rich resins and gums. Supplement to: Tappert, R, AP Wolfe, RC McKellar, MC Tappert, K Muehlenbachs 2011 Characterizing modern and fossil gymnosperm exudates using micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Int J Plant Sci, 172: 120-138.
Abstract. Five new species and one new genus of Serphitidae microhymenoptera are described from U... more Abstract. Five new species and one new genus of Serphitidae microhymenoptera are described from Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) amber originating at the Grassy Lake locality in Alberta, Canada. New taxa include Serphites hynemani sp. n., Serphites bruesi sp. n., Serphites kuzminae sp. n., Serphites pygmaeus sp. n. and Jubaserphites ethani gen. et sp. n. Topotype material for the type species of Serphites, Serphites paradoxus Brues is re-illustrated and redescribed in greater detail, clarifying the characteristics of the species for ...
A new journal is introduced which disseminates the results of research conducted at or in associa... more A new journal is introduced which disseminates the results of research conducted at or in association with the University of Kansas on fossil insects and their relatives. The journal spans all aspects of paleoentomological research, extending beyond systematic studies to include works on insect-bearing deposits, and their taphonomy and ecology.
Dove and Straker question our interpretations of plumage from Late Cretaceous Canadian amber. Alt... more Dove and Straker question our interpretations of plumage from Late Cretaceous Canadian amber. Although we are able to refute concerns regarding both specimen taphonomy and misidentification as botanical fossils, unequivocal assignment to either birds or dinosaurs remains impossible, as we stated originally. However, reported observations and their further refinement herein are insufficient to falsify the hypothesized dinosaurian origin for protofeathers.
A new bethylid species, Celonophamia granama, and two new chrysidid species, Procleptes eoliami, ... more A new bethylid species, Celonophamia granama, and two new chrysidid species, Procleptes eoliami, and P. hopejohnsonae, are described from Late Cretaceous (Campanian) amber collected at the Grassy Lake locality in Alberta, Canada. Within the deposit these taxa constitute the first bethylid, and the second and third chrysidid species to be described, respectively. The new taxa expand the sparse fossil record of Chrysidoidea, particularly that of Chrysididae—a group that was previously represented by only three described species in the Mesozoic. The presence of Celonophamia species in both Canadian amber and Siberian (Taimyr) amber further emphasizes faunal similarities between these two northern Late Cretaceous amber deposits. Given the prevalence of metallic coloration in Chrysididae, the specimens described here also provide evidence for the taphonomic alteration of perceived insect colors in Cretaceous amber inclusions.KurzfassungAus dem oberkretazischen (Campanium) Bernstein, vom Fundort Grassy Lake in Alberta (Kanada), werden eine neue Bethyliden-Art, Celonophamia granama, und zwei neue Chrysididen-Arten, Procleptes eoliami und P. hopejohnsonae, beschrieben. Innerhalb der Lagerstätte stellen diese Taxa die erste Bethyliden-Art und die zweite und dritte Chrysididen-Art dar. Die neuen Taxa erweitern die spärliche Fossil-Überlieferung der Chrysidoidea, insbesondere die der Chrysididae—eine Gruppe, die zuvor nur durch drei, aus dem Mesozoikum beschriebene Arten, repräsentiert wurde. Das Vorhandensein von Celonophamia-Arten im kanadischen und sibirischen (Taimyr-Halbinsel) Bernstein, betont zusätzlich die Ähnlichkeiten in der Fauna zwischen diese beiden nördlichen Oberkreide Bernstein-Vorkommen. Angesichts des Vorherrschens einer metallischen Färbung bei den Chrysididae, belegen die hier beschriebenen Exemplare aber auch die taphonomische Veränderung der Insekten-Farben in kreidezeitlichen Bernstein-Einschlüssen.
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