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Bird-like dinosaur may be first known fruit-eating specialist, study finds

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The turkey-sized creature, designated as *Infernogallus jamesi*, was a toothless, feathered oviraptorosaur weighing around 12 kilograms. Advanced CT scans revealed a downward-curving palate that allowed back-and-forth lower jaw movements specifically adapted for feeding on soft-fleshed foods. This physical adaptation closely mirrors the jaw structures found in modern fruit-eating parrots, such as the vulturine parrot. Consequently, scientists suggest the species evolved its unique chewing mechanics to capitalize on the era's expanding abundance of angiosperm fruits.

Key points

  • The anatomical features suggest the creature adapted its diet alongside the evolutionary…: The anatomical features suggest the creature adapted its diet alongside the evolutionary rise of flowering plants.
  • Modern avian species like the vulturine parrot exhibit feeding mechanisms comparable to t…: Modern avian species like the vulturine parrot exhibit feeding mechanisms comparable to this prehistoric herbivore.
  • The findings provide the earliest known evidence of a dinosaur specialized specifically f…: The findings provide the earliest known evidence of a dinosaur specialized specifically for consuming fleshy fruits.

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