Paraphysornis

Pa-rah-fys-or-niss.
Published on

Benjamin Gutierrez

Vertebrate Paleontologist

Benjamin Gutierrez is a leading expert on dinosaurs, particularly the mighty theropods. His fieldwork in South America has uncovered new species and provided insights into dinosaur social structures.

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Name

Paraphysornis (Near nature bird).

Phonetic

Pa-rah-fys-or-niss.

Named By

Alvarenga - 1982.

Classification

Chordata, Aves, Cariamae, Phorusrhacidae, Brontornithinae.

Diet

Carnivore.

Species

P. brasiliensis

Size

At least 2 meters high, 20 centmetre long skull.

Known locations

Brazil.

Time Period

Chattian of the Oligocene.

Fossil representation

Well-known specimens.

In Depth

       Paraphysornis was one of the more robust members of the phorusrhacid ‘terror birds’ and was most closely related to Physornis and Brontornis. Because of its large size and heavier build, Paraphysornis probably relied more upon ambush tactics to surprise prey rather than running it down over extended distances. Although this does not mean that Paraphysornis was afraid to give chase after prey.

Further Reading

– Paraphysornis novo g�nero para Physornis brasiliensis Alvarenga, 1982 (Aves: Phorusrhacidae). – Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ci�ncias 65:403-406. – H. M. F. Alvarenga – 1993.

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