What radical suggestion did the initial phylogenetic analysis imply regarding the diet of primitive birds?
Answer
That primitive birds, once separated from Deinonychosaurs, might have been primarily herbivorous
The initial reinterpretation following the inclusion of Xiaotingia suggested a significant divergence in the theropod lineage. One branch led toward modern birds, and this analysis implied that these primitive birds might have developed robust, rigid skulls and potentially adopted a primarily herbivorous diet. This was a radical departure from the traditional view which often framed early birds as flying carnivores, especially when considering the predatory nature associated with groups like Deinonychosaurs. This new perspective proposed that flight evolution could have occurred in a context unrelated to catching swiftly moving prey.
Related Questions
What specific Deinonychosaur characteristic did Xiaotingia zhengi retain?From which specific geological formation was the fossil Xiaotingia zhengi unearthed?What comparison was made between the size of Xiaotingia zhengi and Archaeopteryx?What anatomical proportion in Xiaotingia hinted at musculature necessary for flapping locomotion?What radical suggestion did the initial phylogenetic analysis imply regarding the diet of primitive birds?Which shared skeletal feature supported the initial grouping of Archaeopteryx with Deinonychosaurs?Which scientist voiced reservations, suggesting the conclusions about Archaeopteryx demotion were over-hyped?What characteristic of Xiaotingia zhengi's feathers was noted on its femur and suggested possible hindlimb wing use?What inherent risk in evolutionary study does relying too heavily on Archaeopteryx demonstrate?What core difficulty in classification does the contrasting anatomy of Xiaotingia force researchers to confront?