Fred Ruhe
Well-known member
Carolina Acosta Hospitaleche, Martín De Los Reyes, ÂSergio Santillana & Marcelo Reguero, 2020
First fossilized skin of a giant penguin from the Eocene of Antarctica
Lethaia (advance online publication)
Abstract: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/let.12366
An articulated wing belonging to Palaeeudyptes gunnari containing mineralized skin was found in Lutetian (middle Eocene) sediments from Seymour Island, Antarctica. It shows the connective tissues, morphology and density of the feather follicles, and a groove pattern left by the feather calami resting on the skin. Analysis of the preserved surfaces indicates a composition of calcium phosphate. This is the most complete and only articulated wing described for this species and represents the first record of a neornithine bird preserving three‐dimensional integument. Plumage density of the wing MLP 14‐I‐10‐22, estimated by counting the follicles under a stereoscopic microscope, is lower than that of the modern Emperor penguin.
Enjoy,
Fred
First fossilized skin of a giant penguin from the Eocene of Antarctica
Lethaia (advance online publication)
Abstract: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/let.12366
An articulated wing belonging to Palaeeudyptes gunnari containing mineralized skin was found in Lutetian (middle Eocene) sediments from Seymour Island, Antarctica. It shows the connective tissues, morphology and density of the feather follicles, and a groove pattern left by the feather calami resting on the skin. Analysis of the preserved surfaces indicates a composition of calcium phosphate. This is the most complete and only articulated wing described for this species and represents the first record of a neornithine bird preserving three‐dimensional integument. Plumage density of the wing MLP 14‐I‐10‐22, estimated by counting the follicles under a stereoscopic microscope, is lower than that of the modern Emperor penguin.
Enjoy,
Fred