A single set of 5 bird tracks was discovered in the Tianjialou Formation (Barremian-Albian) of Junan County, Shandong Province, China. After careful study we infer that it is a new type of bird tracks, and a new ichno...A single set of 5 bird tracks was discovered in the Tianjialou Formation (Barremian-Albian) of Junan County, Shandong Province, China. After careful study we infer that it is a new type of bird tracks, and a new ichnoge- nus was erected and the name Shandongornipes was given. The characteristics of the new bird track are as follows: Moderately large tetradactyl footprints with well-developed hallux impression. Track width (about 5.8 cm) almost equal to track length (excluding hallux); total length of track (in- cluding hallux) 8.7 cm. The digit impressions are slender, with distal ends showing long sharp claw marks. Hallux pos- teriorly-directed, and hallux impressions well-developed. Digits II, III and IV point anteriorly, exhibiting mesaxonic asymmetry: divarication angle between II and III much lar- ger than that of III and IV, the former ranging from 91° to 118°, and the latter less than 30°. Divarication between digits II and IV ranging from 128° to 142°. Without web structures. Digital pads recognizable, usually at least three in digits III and IV, but sometimes only two due to preservation. The trackway shows slight positive (inward) rotation of feet. The bird tracks occur in association with abundant dinosaur tracks, and are believed to have formed in flood plain environments.展开更多
文摘A single set of 5 bird tracks was discovered in the Tianjialou Formation (Barremian-Albian) of Junan County, Shandong Province, China. After careful study we infer that it is a new type of bird tracks, and a new ichnoge- nus was erected and the name Shandongornipes was given. The characteristics of the new bird track are as follows: Moderately large tetradactyl footprints with well-developed hallux impression. Track width (about 5.8 cm) almost equal to track length (excluding hallux); total length of track (in- cluding hallux) 8.7 cm. The digit impressions are slender, with distal ends showing long sharp claw marks. Hallux pos- teriorly-directed, and hallux impressions well-developed. Digits II, III and IV point anteriorly, exhibiting mesaxonic asymmetry: divarication angle between II and III much lar- ger than that of III and IV, the former ranging from 91° to 118°, and the latter less than 30°. Divarication between digits II and IV ranging from 128° to 142°. Without web structures. Digital pads recognizable, usually at least three in digits III and IV, but sometimes only two due to preservation. The trackway shows slight positive (inward) rotation of feet. The bird tracks occur in association with abundant dinosaur tracks, and are believed to have formed in flood plain environments.
