Oldest egg fossil discovered inside 110-million-year-old birdMarch 21, 2019 - 18:24 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Scientists have discovered the first fossil bird ever found with an egg preserved inside its body, USA Today reports citing a new study. The 110-million-year-old bird is a new species called Avimaia schweitzerae, which was discovered in northwestern China. The bird lived at the same time as the dinosaurs. The discovery was a surprise to paleontologists: “We were not expecting anything interesting, but it turned out to be the first fossil bird ever found with an egg inside its body,” study lead author Alida Bailleul of China's Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology told National Geographic. The finding is especially amazing because fully formed eggs typically only stay within an adult mama bird for about a day, according to Science magazine. But problems with the egg itself may have caused the bird's death due to "egg-binding." This happens when the egg becomes stuck inside the body, preventing the egg from being laid, and killing the mother bird, the study said. Egg-binding is a serious and lethal condition that is fairly common in small birds undergoing stress. This condition still occurs in chickens and modern pet birds. Yet despite being malformed, the egg is excellently preserved, including parts of the eggshell that are seldom seen in the fossil record, such as traces of the egg membrane and the cuticle, Overall, the scientists said this fossil provides more information about ancient reproduction than any other Mesozoic fossil bird yet discovered. As for the species name, it means “mother bird” (Avimaia) and also honors paleontologist Mary Schweitzer (Schweitzerae). The study was published in the peer-reviewed British journal Nature Communications. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. |