Longchengornis
| Longchengornis Temporal range: Early Cretaceous, 120 Ma | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Clade: | Dinosauria |
| Order: | Saurischia |
| Suborder: | Theropoda |
| Clade: | †Enantiornithes |
| Clade: | †Euenantiornithes |
| Genus: | †Longchengornis Hou, 1997 |
| Species: | †L. sanyanensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Longchengornis sanyanensis Hou, 1997 | |
Longchengornis is a genus of enantiornithine birds which lived during the early Cretaceous Period, about 120 mya, and is known from fossils found in the Jiufotang Formation in Liaoning province, People's Republic of China. It contains the single species L. sanyanensis, though some researchers believe this to be a synonym of the similar species Cathayornis yandica.[1]
Longchengornis sanyanensis is known from a single, partially articulated fossil skeleton and partial skull. It is characterized by a wide humerus (upper arm bone) expanded at the shoulder joint, where there was a unique circular depression. The species had long, slender legs with large, hooked claws. The upper arm was slightly shorter than the lower arm, and the hand retained at least two claws.[2]
References
- ↑ Zhou Z. and Wang Y. (2010). "Vertebrate diversity of the Jehol Biota as compared with other lagerstätten." Science China: Earth Sciences, 53(12): 1894–1907. doi:10.1007/s11430-010-4094-9
- ↑ Hou, L. 1997. Mesozoic Birds of China. Phoenix Valley Bird Park, Lugu Hsiang, Taiwan. 221 pp.