Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
1035454 | Journal of Archaeological Science | 2013 | 6 Pages |
We describe a three dimensional preserved right tarsometatarsus, representing the first fossil crow from the well-known Early Pleistocene Nihewan paleolithic sites in North China. The new specimen is distinguished from other known species of the genus Corvus by the combined morphological features, especially the peculiar hypotarsus. The phylogenetic significance of the arrangement of canals at the proximal hypotarsus in passerines is discussed. Although the fossil was too incomplete to warrant the erection of a new species of Corvus, it nonetheless increases the taxonomical diversity of the Nihewan fauna and improves our knowledge on Pleistocene birds in China. Finally the paleoenvironment of the Nihewan sites are discussed in terms of its faunal composition.
► We present the first systematic analysis of an avian specimen from the Early Pleistocene Nihewan paleolithic site. ► The specimen represents the first Known Passeriformes bird from the Nihewan Paleolithic sites. ► The phylogenetic significance of the arrangement of canals at the hypotarsus in passerines is discussed. ► The paleoenvironment of the Nihewan sites are discussed in terms of its faunal composition.