What are the bony outgrowths on the Pelagornis beak correctly termed?
Answer
Pseudoteeth or odontoid projections
The defining characteristic setting Pelagornis apart from nearly all modern birds is the presence of sharp structures along its beak margins known specifically as pseudoteeth or odontoid projections. It is crucial to understand that these are not true teeth, as birds lost the ability to grow teeth rooted in sockets millions of years ago. Instead, these structures are bony outgrowths originating directly from the jaw margin itself, though they were covered in enamel. This entire dental armature is characteristic of the extinct order Pelagornithiformes to which Pelagornis belongs.
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