[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index][Subject Index][Author Index]

Re: Coracoid/scapula (was Re: flying Archie)



David Marjanovic wrote:

It would require two more reversals -- in *Sapeornis* and in Confuciusornithidae. Four reversals instead of two or maybe three acquisitions.

The condition is unknown in _Sapeornis_ and confuciusornithids because the suturing/fusion obliterates the nature of the articulation. Thus, they could have evolved from birds with the enantiornithean-style peg-and-socket articulation, and the immobile joint could be secondary. Under this scenario, the condition in _Sapeornis_ and confuciusornithids is not a reversal. It would be (and has been) coded as '?'.


Cheers

Tim