Five new fossil skeletons of the species Gansus yumenensis have been found in Gansu, China, by US and Chinese researchers, added to the fossil leg discovered 24 years ago of the same species. The great preservation state of the fossils has been celebrated by the researchers, who affirm that, in spite of the fact that were found headless, the fossils are conserved so well that some soft tissues, which are normally absent in most of fossils, are still in the body. The quietness of a lake environment allowed feathers to remain carbonised and membranes between the toes being still placed. But this discovery has an evolutive importance, because G. yumenensis is the oldest of the modern birds (contemporary of Dinosaurs which dates of 110m years ago), and its phylogenetical position in the Life Tree suggest aquatic duck-like are the ancestors of the actual birds. Analysis supporting the idea (by Jerald Harris, of Dixie State College in Utah), says that the G. yumenensis was a foot-propelled diver (based on anatomical similarities with loons and grebes). According to his deductions, G. yumenensis had powerful muscles anchored to crests in lower leg bones, which allowed them to swim and dive underwater. He also said that they nourishment was based on fish and insects, but for being sure of that, a skull analysis is fundamental.
Check the Full Article:
