Important features of the dromaeosaur skeleton : information from a new specimen. American Museum novitates ; no. 3215
Year: 1997
Type: book
Abstract: A partial, but three dimensionally preserved skeleton of a dromaeosaurid (IGM 100/985) was discovered at Tugrugeen Shireh, Gobi Desert, Mongolia, by the 1993 MAS-AMNH expeditions.The specimen clarifies a number of anatomical is- sues that have been left unanswered in previous studies of dromaeosaurids.Paired sternal plates are present, with well-developed articular grooves for the coracoids.A fully articulated gastral bas- ket was recovered with the specimen, revealing a complex imbricating structure, and possible slid- ing articular surfaces between segments.The ar- ticulated pelvis shows that the pubis was sharply retroverted in dromaeosaurs at an angle of 1550 relative to the horizontal axis.Further similarities between dromaeosaurs and avialans, revealed in IGM 100/985, include reduction of the antiliac hook, loss of a shelf for M. cuppedicus, and dis- tally unfused ischia.Both feet were recovered with all but distal phalanges in articulation, and demonstrate that the hallux was not reversed as in some previous reconstructions of dromaeosaurid pedes.
Language: English
Subfield: Paleontology
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1945914471