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The pelvis of Archaeopteryx

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2009

A. D. Walker
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU

Summary

Examination of the Eichstätt specimen of Archaeopteryx shows that the pubis agrees with those of the Berlin and London specimens in indicating a downward and backward inclination of some 135° relative to a line drawn through the lower extremities of the iliac blade. The greater part of the backward rotation of the bird pubis had thus taken place by the Kimmeridgian Stage (sensu anglico) of the Upper Jurassic. A definite pectineal process is present in Archaeopteryx, indicating the existence of a well-developed ambiens muscle. Some preliminary remarks are made about the skull of Archaeopteryx.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1980

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