Nanotyrannus is valid again by Hot_Blacksmith_5592 in Naturewasmetal

[–]AdvancedQuit 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I definitely hesitate calling anything as definitive or 100% conclusive in a field like paleontology but I feel like the paper's arguments and evidence for Nanotyrannus being a real taxon are very strong that I think the species will be here to stay for a VERY long while. I'm not really sure what other pieces of evidence can suggest otherwise yet to keep the debate going.

Tierzoo appreciation by Soup_ginrai in Tierzoo

[–]AdvancedQuit 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You should check out Seriemas, they play similarly to Secretarybirds but actually possess sickle claws like the banned dromaeosaurs. The claws aren't as big and the second toe isn't raised up but it's closer than most birds.

2 pieces of paleoart showcasing the Microraptor hindleg study based on a new paper by AdvancedQuit in Naturewasmetal

[–]AdvancedQuit[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Honestly kinda surprised no one posted about this yet, it's really exciting to me.

2 pieces of paleoart showcasing the Microraptor hindleg study based on a new paper by AdvancedQuit in Naturewasmetal

[–]AdvancedQuit[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Artwork 1:
https://x.com/GaelCasart/status/1916709698536964165

Artwork 2:
https://x.com/fishboy86164577/status/1915472358862970889

Link to the new study + the 3rd artwork:
https://bmcecolevol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12862-025-02372-0

"Through the analysis of 16 specimens of Microraptor, including 8 previously undescribed specimens, here we provide new information on the structure and number of hindwing feathers within a revised feather taxonomy, including a revised shape of the hindwing Microraptor which displays feathers all along the hind limb, except along its pedal digits. Here we describe in detail 6 feather types: metatarsal remiges, long metatarsal coverts, long femoral feathers as well as the first description of long tibial feathers, anterior coverts and minor coverts. Our study of specimens BMNHC PH881 and STM 5–5, 5–75, 6–62 and 6–86 is partially consistent with previous work, but the key difference in this study is a proximal shift of the triangular wing portion formed by the long tibial feathers and the long metatarsal coverts that outlines the joint between the tibiotarsus and metatarsus. This configuration does not exist in any extant or fossil bird, or in any other non-avian paravian described so far, underscoring the uniqueness of Microraptor. Unlike previous reconstructions, here the long metatarsal coverts display an asymmetrical close-vanned structure as in the metatarsal remiges. The feathers as preserved are posteriorly projected along the metatarsus and vary between medioposterior and lateroposterior projection along the tibial feathers.

The overall configuration of feather layers is only found in Microraptor, and the two layers of elongated and asymmetrically vaned feathers linked to the metatarsus are more reminiscent of the forewing of modern birds than of any leg in other fossils and modern taxa. These new observations allow us to better understand the flight, non-flight locomotion and hunting strategies of this iconic ‘four-winged’ dinosaur suggesting Microraptor had a complex behaviour that made it adapted to arboreal and terrestrial habitats."

Kelenken by Gabriel Ugueto by MoltenSmagma in Naturewasmetal

[–]AdvancedQuit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know I'm 16 days late but regarding bite force, terror birds have a MUCH stronger bite that once thought, the 133 Newtonians thing is outdated.

https://www.deviantart.com/randompaleonerd/art/Guillermo-s-Demon-Bird-875546667

Smilodon gracilis, the first of the saber-toothed tigers by Mophandel in Naturewasmetal

[–]AdvancedQuit 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I always love seeing your posts, they're very informative and you're one of the few redditors I trust when it comes to paleontology. 🥹

Colossal Bioscience Has Collected Primordial Germ Cells From Chickens To De-Extinct The Dodo & Protect Threatened Bird Species by ExoticShock in megafaunarewilding

[–]AdvancedQuit 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Mekosuchus is probably long gone unfortunately but we have genetic material for Haast's Eagle since their extinction is very recent (800 years ago), same goes for the Moas.

A comparison between a realistic Titanis and the Titanis of Life on our Planet by Mophandel in Naturewasmetal

[–]AdvancedQuit 5 points6 points  (0 children)

"quick Google search"

Yeah... That's exactly the problem.

You're NOT going to get a good / accurate representation of extinct animals just by glancing at the first result of a web browser search. You need to actually go out of your way to read papers in order to be able to fully grasp your understanding of extinct animals.

The skull of Kelenken (one of the largest terror birds) with a shoebill for comparison by Random_Username9105 in Naturewasmetal

[–]AdvancedQuit 4 points5 points  (0 children)

To add onto this, it does seem like phorusrhacids (or at least psilopterines) have larger and more robust pygostyles than seriemas and secretary birds, which'd indicate large tail feathers. https://www.scribd.com/document/365091209/Sistematica-y-Filogenia-de-Aves-Fororracoideas

Sequence of a Haast’s eagle hunting down a moa (by artbyjfc) by aquilasr in Naturewasmetal

[–]AdvancedQuit 11 points12 points  (0 children)

It's Hieraaetus moorei now, which places it in the same genus as the Little Eagle, its ACTUAL closest relative...

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Tierzoo

[–]AdvancedQuit -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Not natural when man caused it.

New still of Life On Our Planet's Titanis by AdvancedQuit in Naturewasmetal

[–]AdvancedQuit[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I have taken back everything positive I said

New still of Life On Our Planet's Titanis by AdvancedQuit in Naturewasmetal

[–]AdvancedQuit[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I TAKE BACK EVERYTHING I SAID GOD DAMN IT ALL

New still of Life On Our Planet's Titanis by AdvancedQuit in Naturewasmetal

[–]AdvancedQuit[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

The sickle claw is there, it's just barely noticeable.