Zhyraornis
Extinct genus of dinosaurs
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Zhyraornis is a genus of prehistoric bird from the late Cretaceous period (middle Turonian, 92 mya).[1] Its fossils have been found in Bissekty Formation deposits near Dzharakuduk in the Kyzyl Kum, Uzbekistan. Two species have been assigned to this genus: Zhyraornis kashkarovi and Zhyraornis logunovi. Both are known only from partial pelvic bones (synsacra).
| Zhyraornis Temporal range: Turonian, | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Clade: | Euornithes |
| Suborder: | †Zhyraornithi Nesov, 1992 |
| Family: | †Zhyraornithidae Nesov, 1984 |
| Genus: | †Zhyraornis Nesov, 1984 |
| Type species | |
| †Zhyraornis kashkarovi Nesov, 1984 | |
| Species | |
| |
Classification
The relationships of this bird are unresolved. Paleontologist Lev Nesov originally classified in a distinct family (Zhyraornithidae)[2] and later suborder (Zhyraornithi)[3] within the order Ichthyornithiformes.[2] Kurochkin (1996) considered it to belong to the Enantiornithes, specifically the family Alexornithidae.[4] In 2006, Kurochkin re-classified it as a primitive member of the lineage leading to modern birds, the Ornithuromorpha.[5]
