Exceptionally preserved fossil birds from the Eocene of Denmark sheds light on avian evolution

BERTELLI, S,; MAYR, G.

Mendoza

Congreso; 4th International Paleontological Congress; 2014

The Paleogene fossil record has played a key role in debates surrounding the timing of the appearance and divergence of the extant lineages. Although specimens are now known from the Paleocene and Eocene, relatively few examples of three-dimensionally preserved, articulated fossil birds have been described. Most fossil birds from the early Eocene of Denmark (Fur Formation, aged approximately 54 Ma) are unusual for early Paleogene birds because of the fact that they are completely articulated and preserved in three dimensions. Such preservation, however, is necessary if fossils are to be included meaningfully in a morphological and phylogenetic context encompassing extant taxa. Because of its remarkable preservation, specimens like those from Fur Formation have clear implications for our understanding of the early evolution of modern birds