Dinosaurs closest relative
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Dinosaurs' Closest Relatives: Insights from Recent Research
Dromaeosaurids: Feathered Relatives of Birds
Dromaeosaurids, a group of theropod dinosaurs, are among the closest relatives to modern birds. These dinosaurs, often referred to as "feathered dinosaurs," were prevalent during the Early Cretaceous period in what is now Liaoning Province, China. Notable examples include the small-bodied taxa with long arms and broad wings, such as Zhenyuanlong suni, which had large wings with pennaceous feathers on the arms and tail, similar to their smaller relatives. These findings highlight the evolutionary link between dromaeosaurids and birds, emphasizing the presence of feathers and other avian characteristics in these theropods.
Silesaurids: Non-Dinosaurian Dinosauriforms
Silesaurids, a group of non-dinosaurian dinosauriforms, are considered the closest relatives to crown-group dinosaurs. The osteohistology of silesaurids, such as Sacisaurus agudoensis from the Late Triassic of Brazil, reveals rapid growth patterns similar to early dinosaurs but with simpler vascular arrangements. This suggests that while silesaurids shared many characteristics with early dinosaurs, they exhibited slower growth rates. The detailed anatomical studies of silesaurids like Asilisaurus kongwe from the Middle Triassic of Tanzania further support their close relationship to dinosaurs, showing a mix of primitive and derived traits.
Lagerpetids: Bridging the Gap to Pterosaurs
Lagerpetids, another group of dinosaur precursors, have recently been identified as the sister group to pterosaurs. This discovery, based on well-preserved cranial remains and microcomputed tomography scans, reveals numerous shared features across the skeletons of lagerpetids and pterosaurs. This finding not only shortens the temporal and morphological gap between pterosaurs and their closest relatives but also strengthens the evidence that pterosaurs belong to the avian line of archosaurs.
Dinosaur Precursors and Early Diversification
The temporal calibration of dinosaur origins indicates that the gap between assemblages containing only dinosaur precursors and those with the first dinosaurs was shorter than previously thought, suggesting a rapid evolutionary event. Additionally, the co-occurrence of dinosaurs and their closest relatives, such as lagerpetids and silesaurids, in Late Triassic deposits from South Pangea, provides valuable insights into the early diversification and biogeography of dinosauromorphs.
Conclusion
The closest relatives of dinosaurs include a diverse array of dinosauriforms such as dromaeosaurids, silesaurids, and lagerpetids. These groups exhibit a range of primitive and derived traits that illuminate the evolutionary pathways leading to the rise of dinosaurs and their avian descendants. The ongoing research and discoveries continue to refine our understanding of these fascinating prehistoric creatures and their place in the evolutionary history of life on Earth.
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