A team of international scientists have been collaborating on a genetic study of extant bird species.  This programme sets out to provide a better understanding of the phylogeny of Aves.  It has been operating for a decade and is split into four phases.  A report outlining the conclusions of phase two was published in the spring (2024).  This immense study of bird genomes has highlighted some important characteristics of bird evolution.  For example, it has confirmed the phylogeny of the extinct phorusrhacids within the Aves order.

The complex nature of avian evolutionary relationships has been highlighted by this research.  The study, conducted by the Bird 10,000 Genomes (B10K) Consortium has enabled a comprehensive bird family tree to be constructed.  This research provides strong support for the hypothesis that very few lineages of modern birds existed before the K-Pg extinction event.

Complexity of bird evolution revealed by family-level genomes. The chart displays bird relationships and when groups diverged away from each other in deep geological time. Picture credit: Josefin Stiller, with paintings of birds by Jon Fjeldså.

Picture credit: Josefin Stiller and paintings of birds by Jon Fjeldså.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s blog post about this research: New Analysis Re-Writes Bird Evolution.

The Relationship Between Phorusrhacids and Extant Flightless Birds

One of the conclusions of the study is that the Cariamiformes order is far removed genetically from the Palaeognathae.  This infraclass of birds (Palaeognathae) consists of the flightless ratites and one lineage of volant birds (Tinamous).  Life reconstructions of extinct members of the phorusrhacid family vary.  For example, Phorusrhacos longissimus, a phorusrhacid known from the Miocene, has been depicted with plumage like its living relative the Seriema, whilst other depictions give it a bristle-like integumentary covering reminiscent of an Emu or a Cassowary which are both ratites.

For instance, the CollectA Deluxe Kelenken figure, gives this phorusrhacid a coat of bristle-like feathers on the neck and the body.  The feathers on this scale model resemble those of an Emu or a Cassowary.

The CollectA Deluxe Kelenken figure has an integumentary covering on the neck and body which resembles the bristle-like feathers of a ratite such as a Cassowary. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit; Everything Dinosaur

To view the CollectA Deluxe range of figures in stock: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Models.

The complexity of avian evolution is being revealed by a genetic analysis at the species level. Cariamiformes such as the “terror birds” Phorusrhacos and Kelenken are far removed from the ratites. Members of the Phorusrhacidae may not have had bristle-like feathers as found on Emus and their relatives but plumage reminiscent of more closely related birds such as falcons and parrots.  Perhaps model makers will utilise some of the findings from this extensive research programme in their prehistoric bird figures.

Convergent Evolution

Evolving into large flightless birds, descended from a common ancestor is a trait shared by both the ratites and the phorusrhacids.  However, this is not because these two types of bird are closely related.  It is more likely to represent an example of convergent evolution.  From a model making perspective, it is difficult to find extant animal references.  After all, nothing like the “terror birds” exists today (fortunately).

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Figures.

Over the weekend, we took advantage of the warm autumn weather to clean and tidy up the office pond.  To our surprise we discovered a single tadpole.  This September tadpole had not metamorphosed into a frog but had remained in its juvenile state.  We have seen this phenomenon before, and there could be several reasons for this particular tadpole not developing.  For example, it could have a genetic abnormality that prevents this tadpole from changing.  It could remain a tadpole for the remainder of its life.

A tadpole spotted in the office pond on a warm September day (2024).  It can be seen in the bottom left corner of the image. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur,

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A September Tadpole

The cool and wet weather in June could have prevented the tadpole from developing properly.  Tadpoles feed on algae, perhaps there was a shortage of food or too much competition and this tadpole, plus others we did not spot, have had their growth stunted.

We certainly had a lot of frogspawn in the office pond this year.  In total we counted thirteen batches of spawn.  The frogspawn is being laid earlier in the year.  For example, this year’s spawning started in the middle of February.

To read our blog post about the first frogspawn spotted this year: Frogspawn Spotted in the Office Pond (2024).

Whilst the vast majority of the tadpoles turn into frogs in a single year, some seem to take longer. This might be a strategy to ensure more of the progeny survive.  For example, the conditions in the summer might not be ideal for the survival of the froglets as they emerge from the water.  So, if some of the tadpoles remain in the pond until the following spring, the conditions might have improved thus permitting them a greater chance of survival.

At least one tadpole from the office pond is likely to overwinter. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

We have taken out some of the weed but left plenty of oxygenating plants.  We have tidied up the waterlilies too.

Waterlilies belong to the family Nymphaeaceae.  These plants have a fossil record dating back to the Cretaceous.

We shall keep checking on the tadpole and the other pond life over the autumn and winter months.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Gifts.