Description
Book SynopsisOver millions of years, Australia's biodiversity has produced a large cabinet of curiosities. Among the weirder members of this group were the Mihirungs, members of the extinct family Dromornithidae. This book is the study of this diverse group.
Table of ContentsPreliminary Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments
Introductioin
I. Discovery
1. The Discovery of the Dromornithids
II. Systematics and Morphology
2. Mihirungs: Extinct, Gigantic Australian Geese
3. Classification
4. Overview of Dromornithid Species, Localities, and Associated Fauna
5. Description of Dromornithid Structure
6. Relationships and Phylogeny
7. Dromornithids and the Origin of Anseriform Birds
8. Relationships within the Dromornithidae
III. Paleobiology
9. Appearance, Posture, and Stature
10. Body Mass Estimations
11. Could Dromornithids Run?
12. The Feeding Apparatus
13. The Economy of Scale
IV. Paleoecology
14. Evidence from Local Faunas
15. Habitat and Diet
16. Evolution
Conclusion
Appendix: Basic Avian Skeletal Morphology
Glossary
References
Index
