A new enantiornithine from the Yixian Formation with the first recognized avian enamel specialization

ABSTRACT

We report on a new enantiornithine bird, Sulcavis geeorum, gen. et sp. nov., from the Jehol Group of northeastern China. The fossil preserves robust teeth with longitudinal grooves radiating from the occlusal tip preserved in the enamel on the lingual surface. This is the first known occurrence of specialized tooth enamel within Aves. Compared with other Mesozoic groups, stomach contents are hardly ever preserved within enantiornithine specimens; therefore, this new tooth morphology reveals new evidence regarding the diversity of trophic niches occupied by the clade.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank M. Walsh (Dinosaur Institute, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County) for preparing the specimen and D. Goodreau (Dinosaur Institute) for producing the cast deposited in the collection of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. We are also grateful to S. Abramowicz (Dinosaur Institute) for producing the photographs and assisting with the creation of the figures. This study was supported by donations of D. and G. Gee to the Dinosaur Institute.

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