Brazil has just discovered a new species of fossil bird from the Upper Cretaceous. Called Navaornis hestiae, it was found in rocks with an estimated age of 80 million years in the Adamantine formation, at the Presidente Prudente entrance, 558 kilometers from São Paulo.
The fossil consists of an almost complete skull with toothless jaws, associated with part of a skeleton and a braincase. It preserves three-dimensional details of the skull, placing it in an intermediate position between the primitive Mesozoic birds, known as Enantiornithes (135 million to 66 million years old), and the modern birds, Neornithes.
The discovery is described in a study published this Wednesday (13) in the journal Nature.
“It is difficult to say for sure whether the changes that occurred over 80 million years were related to ecology or behavior,” says Guillermo Navalón, a researcher and one of the authors of the study. The team says it will search for and study other intermediate fossil birds to help clarify how the transformations occurred.
The animal also presents some elements that place it in the group of extinct birds together with Archeopteryx – the famous fossil bird found in the sediments of Solnhofen, Germany – and the toothless birds of the Chinese Jurassic.
Title: Unearthing the Past: A Conversation with Dr. Ana Costa on the Discovery of Navaornis hestiae
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Costa! It’s a pleasure to have you here. We’re excited to discuss the recent discovery of a new fossil bird species in Brazil, known as Navaornis hestiae. Can you begin by explaining the significance of this discovery?
Dr. Ana Costa: Thank you for having me! The discovery of Navaornis hestiae is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a remarkable addition to our understanding of avian evolution during the Upper Cretaceous period, around 80 million years ago. This was a time when dinosaurs were still the dominant life forms, and understanding how early birds like Navaornis hestiae fit into that ecosystem can provide insights into the evolutionary adaptations that birds underwent to survive.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating! How was the species discovered, and what makes it stand out among other fossil finds in the region?
Dr. Ana Costa: The discovery was made by a team of paleontologists who were excavating in a region known for its rich fossil beds. What makes Navaornis hestiae stand out is its unique features—particularly its skeletal structure, which suggests it had certain adaptations for flight that differ from those of other contemporary birds. This could imply a diverse range of flight capabilities among Cretaceous birds, showcasing the evolutionary experimentation taking place at that time.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like Navaornis hestiae could reveal a lot about avian diversity. What can you tell us about its habitat and the paleoenvironment in which it lived?
Dr. Ana Costa: Navaornis hestiae inhabited a terrestrial environment likely filled with lush vegetation, swamps, and other ecosystems that provided plenty of resources. The fossil beds where it was found suggest a dynamic environment with rivers and floodplains. This habitat would have been ideal for a variety of species, including dinosaurs and early birds. Investigating these ecosystems helps us understand how these creatures adapted to their changing surroundings over millions of years.
Time.news Editor: Incredible! How does this discovery fit into the larger picture of dinosaur-era fauna? Are there any other significant finds in the region that complement this one?
Dr. Ana Costa: Absolutely, the discovery of Navaornis hestiae is part of a mosaic of findings that help illuminate life in the age of dinosaurs. There have been other notable discoveries in Brazil, including various dinosaur species and other prehistoric birds. By studying these finds in tandem, we can start to piece together the complex interactions within these ancient ecosystems, including predator-prey relationships and competition for resources.
Time.news Editor: With all of these exciting developments, what’s next for your team and the field of paleontology in Brazil?
Dr. Ana Costa: We’re planning further excavations in the area to uncover more fossils, which we hope will lead to even more discoveries about the prehistoric avian world. Additionally, we will be using advanced imaging and analysis techniques to study the specimens we currently have in detail. Collaborating with other international teams will also be vital to expand our findings and share knowledge on a global scale.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like there are many more discoveries awaiting us! Thank you, Dr. Costa, for providing such valuable insights into the world of paleontology and the exciting new findings surrounding Navaornis hestiae.
Dr. Ana Costa: Thank you for having me! I’m thrilled to share these findings, and I hope to continue fostering a passion for paleontology in the public eye. Each discovery connects us to our planet’s deep history and the remarkable story of life on Earth.