Dataset Information

Unexpected larger distribution of paleogene stem-rollers (AVES, CORACII): new evidence from the Eocene of Patagonia, Argentina.

ABSTRACT: Here we present the first record of a stem-Coracii outside the Holarctic region, found in the early Eocene of Patagonia at the Laguna del Hunco locality. Ueekenkcoracias tambussiae gen. et sp. nov. consists of an incomplete right hind limb that presents the following combination of characters, characteristic of Coracii: relatively short and stout tibiotarsus, poorly developed crista cnemialis cranialis, short and wide tarsometatarsus, with the tuberositas m. tibialis cranialis located medially on the shaft, and curved and stout ungual phalanges. Although the presence of a rounded and conspicuous foramen vasculare distale and the trochlea metatarsi II strongly deflected medially resemble Primobucconidae, a fossil group only found in the Eocene of Europe and North America, our phylogenetic analysis indicates the new taxon is the basalmost known Coracii. The unexpected presence of a stem-Coracii in the Eocene of South America indicates that this clade had a more widespread distribution than previously hypothesized, already extending into the Southern Hemisphere by the early Eocene. Ueekenkcoracias tambussiae represents new evidence of the increasing diversity of stem lineages of birds in the Eocene. The new material provides novel morphological data for understanding the evolutionary origin and radiation of rollers and important data for estimates of the divergence time of the group.

SUBMITTER: Degrange FJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7809110 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Unexpected larger distribution of paleogene stem-rollers (AVES, CORACII): new evidence from the Eocene of Patagonia, Argentina.

Degrange Federico J FJ Pol Diego D Puerta Pablo P Wilf Peter P

Scientific reports 20210114 1

Here we present the first record of a stem-Coracii outside the Holarctic region, found in the early Eocene of Patagonia at the Laguna del Hunco locality. Ueekenkcoracias tambussiae gen. et sp. nov. consists of an incomplete right hind limb that presents the following combination of characters, characteristic of Coracii: relatively short and stout tibiotarsus, poorly developed crista cnemialis cranialis, short and wide tarsometatarsus, with the tuberositas m. tibialis cranialis located medially o ...[more]

PMID: 33446824

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Project description:Since the 1980s, the distribution range of the southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) in Argentina was mostly located in the winter calving grounds around Península Valdés. After the international moratorium that forbade the commercial hunting, southern right whales have shown signs of recovery during the last few decades. Nowadays, it is thought that the species is experiencing a density-dependent process while expanding its distribution range in Patagonia. From 2007 to 2016, data on right whale distribution, group composition and relative abundance were collected in Golfo San Matías, Patagonia through aerial surveys. Generalized linear models with a negative binomial error distribution were used to determine the population trend of right whales in this area. In addition, the group composition and the relative abundance of right whales among the northern Patagonian gulfs were compared. Finally, a literature review was conducted to assess the historical presence of right whales in Golfo San Matías, revealing the presence of right whales in Golfo San Matías during and after the commercial exploitation. During aerial surveys (2007-2016), right whales were observed from August to October in the area, with a peak in late August-early September. Our results suggested a geographic distribution change with a regular use of the northwest coast of the gulf in recent years and a positive trend in the population growth rate inside Golfo San Matías. This area was dominated by unaccompanied whales (solitary individuals and breeding groups) as opposed to Península Valdés where the dominant group type was the mother calf pairs. Therefore, Golfo San Matías appears to be important for socializing and mating but not as a nursery ground. In addition, the density of whales was four times greater in the gulfs of Península Valdés. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the recovery of this species in Patagonia, Argentina and should be considered for the management measures for right whales in this region.

Dataset Information

Unexpected larger distribution of paleogene stem-rollers (AVES, CORACII): new evidence from the Eocene of Patagonia, Argentina.

Publications

Unexpected larger distribution of paleogene stem-rollers (AVES, CORACII): new evidence from the Eocene of Patagonia, Argentina.

Similar Datasets

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