New Avian tracks from the lower to middle Eocene at Fossil Hill, King George Island, Antarctica

Abstract Trace fossils are long known to exist in the Fossil Hill Formation (lower to middle Eocene) at Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica. During fieldwork in 2009, abundant new avian tracks were recovered, which are analysed here. Three avian ichnotaxa are distinguished. The most com...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Antarctic Science
Main Authors: Mansilla, Héctor G., De Valais, Silvina, Stinnesbeck, Wolfgang, Varela, Natalia A., Leppe, Marcelo A.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 2012
Subjects:
Geology
Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Oceanography
King George Island
Fildes
Fildes peninsula
Fossil Hill
Antarc*
Antarctic Science
Antarctica
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0954102012000260
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0954102012000260
Description
Summary:Abstract Trace fossils are long known to exist in the Fossil Hill Formation (lower to middle Eocene) at Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica. During fieldwork in 2009, abundant new avian tracks were recovered, which are analysed here. Three avian ichnotaxa are distinguished. The most common impressions are tridactyls and tetradactyls with slender digit imprints II–IV and a posterior hallux. They are included in the ichnogenus Gruipeda . In addition tridactyl and tetradactyl footprints with short and thick digit impressions are conferred to Uhangrichnus . The third ichnotaxon is a tridactyl impression with broad and short digits assigned to Avipeda. The latter taxon is here documented for the first time from Antarctica. These avian tracks are preserved in volcaniclastic sediments consisting in reddish-brown layers of mudstone intercalated with coarse sandstone. The sequence represents lacustrine environments which seasonally dried and were episodically refilled.

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