New Mongolian dromaeosaurid

[FlxLandry@aol.com]

Hi folks,

I don't remember this having  been mentioned on the list to date...

Turner, A. H., S. H. Hwang & M.  A. Norell, 2007, A small derived theropod 
from Öösh, Early Cretaceous,  Baykhangor Mongolia. American Museum Novitates 
3557, 27 pp.

Abstract: A  new theropod dinosaur, *Shanag ashile*, from the Early 
Cretaceous Öösh deposits  of Mongolia is described here. The new specimen (IGM 
100/1119) comprises a  well-preserved right maxilla, dentary, and partial 
splenial. 
This specimen  exhibits a number of derived theropod features, including a 
triangular  anteriorly tapering maxilla, a large antorbital fossa, and 
maxillary  
participation in the caudally elongate external nares. These features resemble  
the Early Cretaceous dromaeosaurids *Sinornithosaurus millenii* and 
*Microraptor  zhaoianus*, as well as the basal avialan *Archaeopteryx 
lithographica*. A 
 comprehensive phylogenetic analysis including 58 theropod taxa unambiguously 
 depicts the new Öösh theropod as a member of Dromaeosauridae. Relative to 
other  dromaeosaurids, *Shanag ashile* is autapomorphic in its lack of a 
promaxillary  fenestra and in the presence of interalveolar pneumatic cavities. 
The 
discovery  of IGM 100/1119 expands our knowledge of Early Cretaceous 
dromaeosaurids and the  faunal similarity between the Öösh and the Jehol biotas.

I have the pdf  if needed, but I suppose this will sooner or later appear in 
free access on the  AMNH website, if it's not already there...

Best regards,

Félix  Landry
150 rue de Vaugirard 75015 Paris, France
01 45 67 04 65 / 06 26 39  29 03
flxlandry@aol.com
Elève de l'Ecole normale supérieure, département  de Sciences sociales
45 rue d'Ulm 75005 Paris, France