A field guide to mesozoic birds and other winged dinosaurs

Appendix B: Clade Definitions
The exact relationships of prehistoric birds are contentious and
frequently change with new phylogenetic hypotheses, so it is especially important
to define the taxonomic terms we use to discuss them. The operational
definitions for the groups used in this book are given below.
Because the International Code of Phylogenetic Nomenclature
(ICPN, or “PhyloCode”) has not gone into effect as of this writing, the oldest
available phylogenetic definition for each group is used. Notation follows
the recommendations of ICPN Article 9.3.1. Note that some of the
definitions are redundant: Definitions for junior synonyms are given for
completeness if they are well-known groups. In the spirit of ICPN Recommendation
11A, any new definitions will include taxa included by the nominal
authors as specifiers where practical. New definitions are proposed for
groups which have name priority over equivalent groups or for useful taxa
that have not previously been defined.
Aviremigia Gauthier & de Queiroz 2001 [Gauthier & de Queiroz 2001]
> Remiges and rectrices (enlarged, stiff-shafted, closed-vaned with barbules bearing
hooked distal pennulae), pennaceous feathers arising from the distal forelimbs and tail
*Note: Presumably anchored on these characters in Passer domesticus
Chuniaoae Ji & al. 1998 [Ji & al. 1998]
< Caudipteryx & Avialae
Caenagnathiformes Sternberg 1940 [converted clade name]
> Caenagnathus collinsi ~ Passer domesticus
Oviraptorosauria Barsbold 1976 [Currie & Padian 1997]
> Oviraptor ~ “Birds”
*Note: “Birds” presumably crown Aves
Caenagnathoidea Sternberg 1940 [Sereno 1999]
< Caenagnathus & Oviraptor
Caenagnathidae Sternberg 1940 [Sues 1997]
< Caenagnathus pergracilis & Chirostenotes elegans & Elmisaurus rarus & Caenagnathasia
martinsoni & BHM 2033
Oviraptoridae Barsbold 1976 [Sereno 1998]
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