New insights about Hinasuri nehuensis (Aves, Palaeognathae) from the Pliocene of Argentina

PICASSO M.B.J.; MOSTO M.C

ALCHERINGA

TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD

Año: 2015

0311-5518

Hinasuri nehuensis Tambussi was a robust, extinct rheid bird from the early Pliocene of Buenos Aires province, Argentina. This paper revisits thefemoral morphology of H. nehuensis and provides an updated osteological description together with new insights into its palaeobiology. Sizeestimates and a comparison of standardized measurements relative to Rhea americana demonstrate that H. nehuensis had an above-average body10 mass. The femoral dimensions of H. nehuensis were also proportionately greater than those of R. americana, but its reconstructed musculature isotherwise very similar. This suggests that H. nehuensis had powerful proximal muscles consistent with its enlarged size. This could have been anadvantage for avoiding predators and to tolerate the seasonally harsh environments of the Pampean region during the Pliocene?Pleistocene.