Re: Microraptor and Birds

["T. Michael Keesey" <mightyodinn@yahoo.com>]

--- "T. Michael Keesey" <mightyodinn@yahoo.com> wrote:
> --- Dino Guy Ralph <dinoguy@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> > How are Aves and Avialae currently defined?  Is either clade closer to
> > synonymy with the colloquial term, "bird"?

I forgot to mention de Queiroz and Gauthier's (2001) re-redefinition of
_Avialae_ as an apomorphy-based clade ("wings used for powered flight" in
_Vultur gryphus_). Until recently this would probably have been presumed to be
within the stem-based version and including the node-based _Aves_ sensu Padian
1997 (=_Avialae_ sensu Gauthier 1986), but the winged dromaeosaurids might
indicate it is a more inclusive group, including _Eumaniraptora_.

As noted on list, there are problems with applying a behavior-related apomorphy
to extinct forms....


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