Does archosaur phylogeny hinge on the ankle joint?
Abstract
Cladistic phylogenies of the archosaur ingroup are reviewed in light of recent concerns regarding an over-dependence on characters relating to tarsal and pedal morphology. The use of simple statistical techniques shows that the exclusion of ankle characters from recent cladistic phylogenies has no significant effect on the relative support of relationships proposed. Contrary to current opinion, ankle characters should be considered unimportant when attempting to reconstruct the broad shape of archosaur phylogeny.
- Publication:
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Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology
- Pub Date:
- September 1998
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 1998JVPal..18..558D