Redescription of the Miocene penguin Pseudaptenodytes macraei Simpson (Aves: Sphenisciformes) and redefinition of the taxonomic status of ?Pseudaptenodytes minor Simpson

Abstract

Pseudaptenodytes macraei is redescribed in detail using current avian anatomical terminology. The age of the species is constrained to the late Miocene, and two humeral autapomorphies are identified for the species: a flattened elliptical ventral portion of the fossa tricipitalis and a curved margo cranialis lacking a preaxial angle. Pseudaptenodytes macraei is a distinct taxon based on a diagnostic-type specimen, but it is recommended that the nominal congener Pseudaptenodytes minor be designated a nomen dubium pending the discovery of more complete material.

本文使用现行禽类解剖学术语对Pseudaptenodytes macraei进行了详尽的重新描述。该种的年代被限于晚中新世，种的鉴定基于两个肱骨独征：关节窝tricipitalis的扁状椭圆形腹部和缺乏前轴角的弯曲沟缘头盖骨。根据标准型标本， Pseudaptenodytes macraei是一个独具特征的分类单元，但我们认为同属种名Pseudaptenodytes minor可定为可疑学名，同时亟待更完整的材料的发现。

Key words:

• Aves
• bird
• fossil penguin
• Australia
• late Miocene.

Acknowledgements

I thank the editor, associate editor and two reviewers for their helpful and constructive comments. I also thank E. Fitzgerald for comments on an earlier version of the manuscript. D. Pickering is also thanked for providing access to collections.