Based on a detailed morphological comparison of the original figures, the lost holotype of "Ornithocheirus hilsensis" is identified as the distal part of the proximal pedal phalanx from digit I of a large-sized theropod. The distinctness in the morphology of the distal epiphysis of this element from that present in the manus and in pedal digits II-IV of most theropods may have contributed to the ambiguous interpretation of this specimen in the course of discussion since the 1880s. Features that have been interpreted as indicating pneumaticity -- that would support a pterosaur affiliation -- can be alternatively explained by taphonomic and diagenetic processes. Aside of this unresolved question, the published information do not indicate the presence of any pterosaur synapomorphies. Although clearly a nomen dubium, "Ornithocheirus hilsensis" is a precious record of a large-sized theropod near the Valanginian/Hauterivian boundary of Central Europe. It is furthermore of significance as one of the historically earliest documented remains of a dinosaur from Germany.
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Geoffrey Guinard (2020)
Evolutionary Teratology and the Path to Break Through the Mould of the Synthesis Paradigm.
Current Molecular Biology Reports (advance online publication)
doi:
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40610-020-00130-3https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40610-020-00130-3Purpose of Review
The recent introduction of evolutionary teratology has led to the diagnosis of certain anatomical features as developmental anomalies integrated into phylogenies. This approach is part of a broader theoretical restructuring.
Recent Findings
The application of evolutionary teratology to the forelimbs of non-avian theropod dinosaurs has focused on the drastic forelimbs shortening and manual anomalies of some representatives, both in Ceratosauria and Tetanurae. Evolutionary teratological diagnosis can also be made during post-natal growth, differentiating juvenile and adult stages.
Summary
The methods of evolutionary teratology and its scales of discussion highlight the need to redefine certain Darwinian notions, leading to consider evo-devo as a connection between disciplines. This aspect is unconsciously reflected by calls for various inclusions within a modern synthesis evolving towards an evolutionary extended synthesis. However, this step cannot be an end in itself, as the paradigm of synthesis is carrying Darwinian functional defects. Pluralism is an alternative way to overcome these imbalances, implying cultural restructurings.
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TANG Yongzhong, XING Lida, LI Xingwen, WU Hao, LI Yizhao, DANG Chen & WANG Donghao (2020)
The sedimentary environment of Early Cretaceous dinosaur tracks in Longzhou Danxia Landform of Jingbian County, Shaanxi Province.
Geological Bulletin of China 39(4): 425-432
http://dzhtb.cgs.cn/gbcen/ch/reader/view_abstract.aspx?file_no=20200401&flag=1
During the extensive survey on Longzhou Danxia Landform in Jingbian County of Northern Shaanxi in July 2019, Shaanxi Institute of Geological Survey found several dinosaur track sites in the purple sandstone of Early Cretaceous Luohe Formation. The dinosaur track-bearing formation belongs to a typical red arsenic sandstone of desert facies, which is mainly composed of purplish red to dark purplish red medium to coarse grained feldspathic quartz sandstone, and quartz sandstone intercalated with grayish yellow-pale purple red massive silty mudstone and argillaceous stone,constituting the typical Danxia Landform scene. Altogether 9 dinosaur trackway sites were identified. Based on the comparison of morphological features and the field survey, it can be inferred that the dinosaur trackmakers were theropod. Based on the research on the sequence of around this area, it can be inferred that these dinosaur tracks were preserved near the shoreside of a desert lake.The dinosaur tracks found in Jingbian are distinctly different from those found in Zhongji Town,ÂShenmu City in 2017 and can provide rare research materials for the dinosaur research in the Ordos Basin. Moreover, the dinosaur track-bearing formation is less well studied, thus the study of the dinosaur tracks will contribute greatly to ascertaining the stratigraphic age and reconstructing the paleoenvironment.
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