Bone histology. Evolution of growth pattern in birds
1Department of Zoology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa.
Abstract:
Living (neornithine) birds grow up rapidly and without interruption, terminating their growth within one year and, with a few secondary exceptions, starting to fly only after or near the completion of growth. Bone histology has revealed that pre-avian theropods also grew fast for most of the postnatal period, but that this growth was usually intermittent and probably extended for more than one year. We have found surprising evidence for an early postnatal slowing-down of growth in two lineages of flying basal birds, which suggests that birds may have started their evolution as precocious fliers.
Related Concept Videos
Growth of Cartilage and Bone Tissue
Bone as Supporting Connective Tissue
Bone Matrix
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a connective tissue that has a large amount of two different types of matrix material. The organic matrix is similar to the matrix material found in other connective tissues, including some amount of collagen and elastic fibers. This gives strength and flexibility to the tissue. The inorganic matrix consists of mineral salts— mostly calcium salts—...
Bone Formation by Intramembranous Ossification
The process begins when mesenchymal cells in the embryonic skeleton gather together and differentiate into osteogenic cells, which then develop into ...
Sutures of the Skull
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Bone Formation by Endochondral Ossification


