Which region yielded fossils clearly identifying the direct ancestral line of the *Pica* genus?
Answer
Aotearoa New Zealand
The crucial fossil evidence that firmly traces the direct ancestral line of the modern magpie genus *Pica* comes from discoveries made in Aotearoa New Zealand. Specifically, the species *Pica praepica* was identified there, dated to about 19 million years ago. This location is distinct from where the older family ancestor (*Archaeocorvus*) was found (Australia). The presence of this early *Pica* ancestor in New Zealand hints at dispersal events across ancient landmasses before their final separation dictated subsequent evolution.
Related Questions
What species is the oldest known fossil belonging to the magpie family Corvidae?Where were fossils of *Archaeocorvus meadewaldenis* (AMRI) unearthed?How old are the fossils identified as *Pica praepica* from New Zealand?To which geological epoch does the 25-million-year-old *Archaeocorvus meadewaldenis* date?What is the genus classification for modern magpies like the Eurasian Magpie?What is the approximate age difference between the earliest *family* and *genus* ancestors?Which region yielded fossils clearly identifying the direct ancestral line of the *Pica* genus?What enduring characteristic allowed the lineage of modern magpies to persist across vast timescales?What cognitive trait's foundations were likely established in *Pica praepica* 19 million years ago?What specific field mark helps differentiate modern North American *Pica* species like Black-billed and Yellow-billed?