Tag Archives: Crested

Crested Diapsid Reptiles from the Central Triassic Challenge Current Theories of Wing Evolution

Posted on by
Reply

Paleontologists have identified a novel genus and species of Triassic derepanosauromorph diapsid showcasing remarkable appendages (not feathers or skin). This discovery is based on two exceptionally well-preserved skeletal structures and related specimens. Their research reveals that wings and hair-like extensions are not exclusive to birds and mammals.

Mirasaura Grabogeli In natural forest environments, insects are hunted. Image credit Gabriel Uguet.

Feathers and hair are intricate outer body appendages of vertebrates, serving essential functions such as insulation, sensory support, display, and facilitating flight.

The development of feathers and hair traces back to the ancestral lines of birds and mammals, respectively.

However, the genetic frameworks responsible for these appendages may have origins deeper within the amniotic lineage, encompassing various animal branches, including those of birds and mammals.

The Triassic reptile species outlined by Dr. Stephan Spiekman from the Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Stuttgart and his collaborators featured unique appendages that could reach up to 15.3 cm (6 inches) in length along their backs.

Named Mirasaura Grabogeli, this peculiar creature inhabited Europe approximately 247 million years ago.

The species exhibited a superficially bird-like skull but was classified within the Diapsid group known as Drepanosauromorpha.

Anatomy of Mirasaura Grabogeli. Image credit: Spiekman et al., doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09167-9.

Discovered in northeastern France in the 1930s, Mirasaura Grabogeli comprises 80 specimens featuring two well-preserved skeletal structures with isolated appendages and preserved soft tissues. Recent preparations have led to its identification.

“This enabled the connection between the summit and skeleton,” the paleontologist noted.

“The tissue preserved within the appendages contains melanosomes (pigment-producing cells located in skin, fur, and feathers), resembling those found in feathers more closely than in reptilian skin or mammalian hair, yet lacking the typical branching pattern of feathers.”

“These observations suggest that such complex appendages might have evolved among reptiles prior to the emergence of birds and their closest relatives, potentially offering new insights into the development of feathers and hair.”

Given the characteristics of the appendages observed in Mirasaura Grabogeli, we dismissed their roles in flight or camouflage, proposing instead a possible role in visual communication (signaling or predator deterrence).

The team’s research paper was published today in the journal Nature.

____

SNF Spiekman et al. Triassic diapsids reveal early diversification of skin appendages in reptiles. Nature Published online on July 23, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09167-9

Source: www.sci.news

First Photo of Rare Yellow-Crested Crested Crest Taken by Ornithologist

Posted on by
Reply

of Yellow-bellied Shrike (Prionops alberti) It has not been seen for about 20 years and is listed as a “lost bird” by the American Bird Conservancy.

Yellow-bellied shrike (Prionops alberti). Image credit: University of Texas at El Paso.

First described in 1933, the shrike is a member of the bird family. Bangidae.

Also known as the King Albert Shrike, this bird is distinguished by its black plumage and bright yellow crown.

This species is endemic to the mountains of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The yellow shrike is endemic to the western slopes of the Albertine Rift in Central Africa, an area that has been largely inaccessible due to war and security issues, but has recently become safe to visit. '' said Dr. Michael Harvey.ornithologist University of Texas El Paso.

Dr. Harvey and his colleagues made the discovery during a six-week expedition to the Itombwe Massif, a mountain range in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“It was a shocking experience to encounter these birds,” Dr Harvey said.

“I knew they might be possible here, but I wasn't prepared for how grand and unique it would be.”

The ornithologists walked more than 121 kilometers (75 miles) deep into the Itumbwe massif, studying birds, amphibians and reptiles along the way.

While exploring the cloud forest on the side of a mountain, they encountered a striking black bird with a bright yellow “helmet”, the long-eared shrike.

“These birds appeared to be a fairly noisy and active flock in the mid-levels of the forest,” they said.

A total of about 18 birds were spotted at three locations during the expedition.

“This gives us hope that perhaps this species still maintains a reasonably healthy population in the remote forests of this region,” Dr Harvey said.

“However, mining, logging, and deforestation for agriculture are encroaching deep into the forests of the Itombwe Mountains.”

“We are in discussions with other researchers and conservation groups about further efforts to protect forests and shrike in this region.”

“Now is a great time to protect these tropical forests so species like the long-eared shrike are not lost before they are known and studied.”

Source: www.sci.news