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Well, as Longipteryx seems to be the topic of the
week, I'll post my thoughts on its phylogenetic position. Note my
pygostylian phylogeny is-
(Confuciusornithidae (Protopteryx (Jibeinia
(Enantiornithes (Patagopteryx, Ornithurae)))))
First, some have suggested this is not a
pygostylian. Although the short ulnar feathers look odd for a pygostylian,
there are several characters that place it higher than
confuciusornithids-
- strut-like coracoid
- elongate hypocleidium
- V-shaped furcula
- metacarpal III longer than metacarpal
II
- less than four phalanges on manual digit
III
More derived than Protopteryx
- manual phalanx II-2 shorter than
II-1.
Less derived than Jibeinia
- manual digit I extends past metacarpal
II
Less derived than Ornithothoracines
- manual digit III has ungual
In addition, although I have yet to add sternal
characters, note that the sternum is very similar to Protopteryx, almost an
intermediate between it and Jibeinia. So, I provisionally assign
Longipteryx to the Pygostylia, phylogenetically intermediate between Protopteryx
and Jibeinia. I think the skull looks more like Rhamphorhynchus than an
ibis, but what do I know? Unfortunately, it seems there are still no
ossified uncinates in enantiornithines, as this taxon looks more basal. :-(
Perhaps I'll write Details on Longipteryx sometime.....
Mickey Mortimer
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