title: Allometric Scaling in the Earliest Archaeopteryx lithographica.
abstract: Archaeopteryx is almost universally considered a primitive bird. Debate persists, however, about the taxonomic assignment of the six skeletal fossils. Allometric scaling of osteological data shows that all specimens are consistent with a single growth series. The absence of certain bone fusions suggests that no specimen is full-grown. Allometric patterns, as compared to growth gradients of other dinosaurs, extant ectotherms, and extant endotherms, suggest that Archaeopteryx was likely a homeothermic endotherm with rapid growth and precocial abilities for running and flying. Multivariate allometric models offer a significant potential for interpreting ontogenetic patterns and phylogenetic trends in the fossil record.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Houck
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Gauthier
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Strauss