First unambiguous record of pneumaticity in the axial skeleton of alvarezsaurians (Theropoda: Coelurosauria)

Abstract

Bonapartenykus ultimus is an alvarezsaurid theropod from the Upper Cretaceous of Patagonia, Argentina. This species is represented by the holotype specimen and several referred specimens, many of which have pneumatic structures. Pneumaticity involves the invasion of the interior of the skeleton by means of air sac diverticula. Such invasion occurs from cortical openings (foramina) that communicate with internal air spaces. Despite previous studies on pneumatic structures in theropod specimens, there are no studies focusing on the family Alvarezsauridae. Here we address this gap by presenting the first contribution focusing on the pneumatic features of an alvarezsaurid theropod using both external skeletal anatomy as well as computed tomographic images showing internal details. The specimens studied show that the axial skeleton of B. ultimus was invaded by pneumatic structures, reaching the middle section of the tail. Our study suggests that pneumaticity among alvarezsaurids did not have a linear evolutionary trajectory, but instead shows a more random pattern of variability. This study is an important first step that paves the way for future studies to uncover the extent of pneumatic invasion among alvarezsaurids and its macroevolutionary implications.