2017 in archosaur paleontology

The year 2017 in archosaur paleontology was eventful. Archosaurs include the only living dinosaur group — birds — and the reptile crocodilians, plus all extinct dinosaurs, extinct crocodilian relatives, and pterosaurs. Archosaur palaeontology is the scientific study of those animals, especially as they existed before the Holocene Epoch began about 11,700 years ago. The year 2017 in paleontology included various significant developments regarding archosaurs.

This article records new taxa of fossil archosaurs of every kind that have been described during the year 2017, as well as other significant discoveries and events related to paleontology of archosaurs that occurred in the year 2017.

General research

* A study on the evolution of forelimb anatomy, musculature and joint ranges of motion from early archosaurs to sauropodomorph dinosaurs based on data from ''Mussaurus patagonicus'' and extant freshwater crocodile is published by Otero ''et al.'' (2017).

Pseudosuchians

Research

* A study on the evolutionary history and ecological correlates of bone ornamentation in extant and extinct pseudosuchians is published by Clarac ''et al.'' (2017).
* A redescription of the anatomy of the postcranial skeleton of ''Gracilisuchus stipanicicorum'' and a study on the phylogenetic relationships of the species is published by Lecuona, Desojo & Pol (2017).
* Description of partial ribs from the Late Triassic Vinita Formation (formerly Turkey Branch Formation; Virginia, United States), referred to '' Euscolosuchus olseni'', is published by Scheyer & Sues (2017).
* A study on the phylogenetic relationships of ''Luperosuchus fractus'' is published by Nesbitt & Desojo (2017).
* A study on the bone histology and growth of ''Batrachotomus kupferzellensis'' is published by Klein, Foth & Schoch (2017).
* Crocodylomorph eggs and eggshells are described from the Late Jurassic Lourinhã Formation (Portugal) by Russo ''et al.'' (2017), who name new ootaxa '' Suchoolithus portucalensis'' and ''Krokolithes dinophilus''.
* Tracks of a crocodyliform representing the ichnofamily Batrachopodidae are described from the Early Cretaceous (late Aptian) Calonda Formation (Angola) by Mateus ''et al.'' (2017), who name a new ichnotaxon '' Angolaichnus adamanticus''.
* A description of a braincase assigned to ''Macelognathus vagans'' recovered from the Fruita Paleontological Area (Colorado, United States) and a study on the phylogenetic relationships of the species is published by Leardi, Pol & Clark (2017).
* A study on the changes in morphological diversity of the skulls of extinct and extant crocodyliforms through time is published by Wilberg (2017).
* A study on the impact of sea level variations and sea surface temperatures on the evolution of marine crocodylomorphs published by Martin ''et al.'' (2014) is re-evaluated by Jouve ''et al.'' (2017) on the basis of an updated dataset.
* ''Razanandrongobe sakalavae'' from the Middle Jurassic of Madagascar is interpreted as a member of Notosuchia by Dal Sasso ''et al.'' (2017).
* A description of the anatomy of the postcranial skeleton of ''Campinasuchus dinizi'' based on five specimens is published by Cotts ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on the anatomy of the pectoral girdle and forelimb bones of '' Montealtosuchus arrudacamposi'', as well as its implications for the locomotion habits of the animal, is published by Tavares ''et al.'' (2017).
* Postcranial remains of a goniopholidid, interpreted as remains of the second fossil specimen referable to ''Dakotasuchus kingi'', are described from the Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian) Cedar Mountain Formation (Utah, United States) by Frederickson ''et al.'' (2017).
* Virtual cranial endocast of ''Pelagosaurus typus'' is reconstructed by Pierce, Williams & Benson (2017).
* A study on the mode of reproduction of metriorhynchids is published by Herrera ''et al.'' (2017).
* New fossils of a member of the dyrosaurid genus '' Guarinisuchus'' are described from the Paleocene Maria Farinha Formation (Brazil) by Sena ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on the bone histology in the femora of two specimens attributed to ''Iberosuchus macrodon'' and its implications for the growth rate and resting metabolic rate in the species is published by Cubo, Köhler & de Buffrenil (2017).
* A specimen of a neosuchian crocodylomorph (probably a member of the genus ''Susisuchus'') with extensively preserved epidermis and limb musculature is described from the Lower Cretaceous (Aptian) Crato Formation (Brazil) by Field & Martill (2017).
* An isolated mandible of a neosuchian possibly belonging or related to the family Hylaeochampsidae is described from the Middle Jurassic (Bathonian) Duntulm Formation (Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom) by Yi ''et al.'' (2017).
* Revision of the fragmentary eusuchian fossils from the Late Cretaceous of Western Europe, previously attributed to members of the species ''Allodaposuchus precedens'', is published by Narváez ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study of the bone histology of a humerus of a eusuchian crocodyliform (possibly a member of the genus ''Acynodon'') from the Late Cretaceous (Campanian) Laño quarry (northern Spain) and its implications for the skeletal growth pattern of the animal is published by Company & Pereda-Suberbiola (2017).
* A study comparing skull shape and inferring dietary preferences of crocodylians known from the Eocene Geiseltal-Fossillagerstätte (Germany), representing genera ''Diplocynodon'', ''Asiatosuchus'', '' Boverisuchus'' and ''Allognathosuchus'', is published by Hastings & Hellmund (2017).
* A study on the anatomy of the braincase of ''Gryposuchus neogaeus'' is published by Bona, Carabajal & Gasparini (2017).
* A revision of the fossil material attributed to the Miocene caiman species '' Melanosuchus fisheri'' is published by Bona ''et al.'' (2017).
* New fossils of ''Baru wickeni'' and ''Baru darrowi'' are described from the Oligocene and Miocene of Australia by Yates (2017).
* A study on the evolution of locomotion of mekosuchines based on pectoral and pelvic girdles of mekosuchines recovered from the Eocene to Miocene sites in Australia is published by Stein ''et al.'' (2017).
* A review of the taxonomic diversity of the crocodiles from the early Pliocene (Kenya) is published online by Brochu (2017).

New taxa

Non-avian dinosaurs

Research

* Studies on the phylogenetic relationships of the dinosaurs are published by Baron, Norman & Barrett (2017) and Parry, Baron & Vinther (2017), recovering sister-group relationship between Ornithischia and Theropoda; the study of Baron, Norman & Barrett (2017) is subsequently reexamined by Langer ''et al.'' (2017).
* An investigation into common approaches used to identify sexual dimorphism in the fossil record is published by Mallon (2017), who argues that the available evidence precludes the detection of sexual dimorphism in non-avian dinosaurs.
* A study on the possible reasons why sexual dimorphism is rarely detected in non-avian dinosaurs, indicated by body-size data from the American alligator and the greater rhea, is published by Hone & Mallon (2017).
* A study on the impact of large herbivorous dinosaurs on global nutrient availability in the Cretaceous as indicated by remnant plant material (coal deposits) is published by Doughty (2017).
* A study on changes in morphological and biomechanical diversity of the mandibles of herbivorous dinosaurs through time, as well as its implications for the relationship between jaw shape, function, and ecological evolutionary drivers in the evolution of herbivorous dinosaurs, is published by MacLaren ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on the anatomical diversity of the jugal bone in dinosaurs and its evolution is published by Sullivan & Xu (2017).
* A study on a diverse dinosaur ichnofauna from the Lower Cretaceous Broome Sandstone (Australia), including descriptions of six new ichnospecies, is published by Salisbury ''et al.'' (2017).
* Theropod tracks and potential heterodontosaurid tracks are described from the Lower Jurassic Elliot Formation (Lesotho) by Abrahams ''et al.'' (2017).
* Dinosaur footprints are reported from the Cretaceous Stanley Pool Formation (Gabon) by M’Voubou, Moussavou & Ligna (2017).
* Dinosaur trackways are reported from the Cretaceous (probably Cenomanian-Turonian) Mamfe Basin (Cameroon) by Martin ''et al.'' (2017).
* A re-evaluation of the purported Triassic dinosaur fossils from Poland discovered prior to the description of '' Silesaurus opolensis'' is published by Skawiński ''et al.'' (2017), who interpret ''Velocipes dinosaur.
* A study evaluating whether reported set of unique collagen peptides of ''Tyrannosaurus rex'' and ''Brachylophosaurus canadensis'' could reflect cross-sample contamination from the modern reference material used is published by Buckley ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on the relationship between step width and speed (stride length) in Late Triassic theropod trackways, its implications for non-avian theropod locomotion and for how it compared to bird and human locomotion is published by Bishop ''et al.'' (2017).
* A description and a study on the phylogenetic affinities of the theropod fossils recovered from the Early Cretaceous (Berriasian–Valanginian) Bajada Colorada Formation (Argentina) is published by Canale ''et al.'' (2017).
* Tracks of a giant theropod dinosaur are described from the Late Jurassic (Kimmeridgian) Reuchenette Formation (Switzerland) by Marty ''et al.'' (2017), who name a new ichnotaxon '' Jurabrontes curtedulensis''.
* Tracks of a large theropod dinosaur are described from the Late Jurassic (Kimmeridgian) Reuchenette Formation (Switzerland) by Razzolini ''et al.'' (2017), who name a new ichnotaxon ''Megalosauripus transjuranicus''.
* Tracks produced by large theropod dinosaurs (estimated body length >8–9 meters) are described from the Lower Jurassic upper Elliot Formation (Lesotho) by Sciscio ''et al.'' (2017), who name a new ichnotaxon '' Kayentapus ambrokholohali''.
* Description of large dinosaur tracks (previously interpreted as ornithopod tracks) from the Cretaceous (Campanian) Cerro del Pueblo Formation (Coahuila, Mexico) is published by Rivera-Sylva ''et al.'' (2017), who reinterpret the tracks as produced by tetanuran (possibly tyrannosaurid) theropods, and consider the tracks to be likely evidence of a gregarious behaviour of the trackmakers.
* A study on the diversity and phylogenetic relationships of the Late Jurassic theropod dinosaurs known from the isolated teeth recovered from the Lusitanian Basin (Portugal) is published by Malafaia ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on the relations between the tooth size, shape and position on the skull and mandible and the bite force of theropod dinosaurs is published by Monfroy (2017).
* Small bird-like theropod tracks assigned to the ichnogenus '' Trisauropodiscus'' are described from the Middle Jurassic (Bajocian-Bathonian) Imilchil Formation (Morocco) by Gierliński ''et al.'' (2017), who interpret ''Trisauropodiscus'' as an ichnotaxon distinct from ''Anomoepus'' and as a possible predecessor of ''Carmelopodus'' and ornithomimipodid morphotypes.
* A fragmentary theropod egg is described from the Lower Cretaceous Ilek Formation (Kemerovo Oblast, Russia) by Skutschas ''et al.'' (2017), who name a new ootaxon ''Prismatoolithus ilekensis''.
* A study on the ontogenetic changes in the skeleton of ''Limusaurus inextricabilis'' as indicated by the anatomy of the skeletons of 19 specimens representing six ontogenetic stages is published by Wang ''et al.'' (2017).
* New description of the Morphology (biology), morphology of ''Pycnonemosaurus nevesi'' and a study of the phylogenetic relationships of the species is published by Delcourt (2017).
* Detailed maps of the musculature of the forelimbs of ''Majungasaurus crenatissimus'' are created by Burch (2017).
* A review of taxonomy and revised definitions of members of the family Spinosauridae, as well as a study on their ecology and behaviour is published by Hone & Thomas R. Holtz Jr., Holtz (2017).
* A partial Spinosauridae, spinosaurid tooth is described from the Early Cretaceous (Berriasian–Valanginian) Feliz Deserto Formation (Brazil) by Sales ''et al.'' (2017), representing the oldest known occurrence of a spinosaurid from South America so far.
* A reappraisal of spinosaurid skull materials from Brazil is published by Sales & Schultz (2017), who interpret the holotype specimens of ''Irritator challengeri'' and ''Angaturama limai'' as fossils of different individuals.
* Description of a series of tail vertebrae of ''Allosaurus fragilis'', preserving Sulcus (morphology), sulci interpreted as origin attachment sites of the caudofemoralis longus muscle, is published by Cau & Serventi (2017).
* A study on the skull Morphology (biology), morphology of ''Neovenator salerii'', indicating presence of a complex network of large, Anastomosis, anastomosing canals in the premaxilla and maxilla (interpreted as part of the neurovascular system), is published by Barker ''et al.'' (2017).
* A description of the braincase anatomy of ''Murusraptor barrosaensis'' is published by Paulina-Carabajal & Philip J. Currie, Currie (2017).
* A study on the integumentary structures of ''Sinosauropteryx'', rejecting their interpretation as degraded collagen fibres, is published by Smithwick ''et al.'' (2017).
* Smithwick ''et al.'' (2017) reconstruct the color patterns of ''Sinosauropteryx'', presenting evidence of presence of countershading and a stripe across the eye in this theropod.
* Partial Metatarsal bones, metatarsus of a non-tyrannosaurid Tyrannosauroidea, tyrannosauroid theropod distinct from ''Appalachiosaurus montgomeriensis'' and ''Dryptosaurus aquilunguis'' is described from the Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) Merchantville Formation (Delaware, United States) by Brownstein (2017) and Dalman, Jasinski & Lucas (2017).
* A description of the preserved fossil integument of tyrannosaurid theropods, confirming presence of scaly skin, is published by Bell ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on the lateral grooves in the Dentary, dentaries of Albertosaurinae, albertosaurine tyrannosaurids is published by Rothschild & Naples (2017), who interpret the grooves as indicating that albertosaurines had a sensory organ analogous to the lateral line of fish, which might have helped in determining the direction of the wind (and thus determining the origin of a detected smells).
* A study on the feeding behaviour of ''Tyrannosaurus rex'' and the factors that enabled members of this species to pulverize bones before eating them is published by Gignac & Erickson (2017).
* A study on the running abilities of ''Tyrannosaurus rex'' is published by Sellers ''et al.'' (2017).
* A description of Early Cretaceous Ornithomimosauria, ornithomimosaur fossils recovered from the Arundel Formation, Arundel Clay (Maryland, United States) is published by Brownstein (2017), who also reinterprets ''Nedcolbertia justinhofmanni'' as a Basal (phylogenetics), basal member of Ornithomimosauria; the author's interpretation of the fossils as indicative of the presence of two ornithomimosaur taxa in the Arundel is subsequently criticized by McFeeters, Ryan & Cullen (2018).
* Fossils of an ornithomimosaur considered to be a member of the genus ''Qiupalong'' of uncertain specific assignment are described from the Late Cretaceous (Campanian) Belly River Group strata in Dinosaur Provincial Park (Alberta, Canada) by McFeeters ''et al.'' (2017), representing the first North American occurrence of a member of this genus.
* Alvarezsauridae, Alvarezsaurid fossils are described from the Upper Cretaceous (Turonian) Bissekty Formation (Uzbekistan) by Averianov & Sues (2017), representing the oldest record of the family in the Northern Hemisphere reported so far.
* A study on the feeding behavior and niche differentiation in therizinosaurs as indicated by the Morphology (biology), morphology of their mandibles is published by Lautenschlager (2017).
* Putative therizinosaur tracks are described from the Late Cretaceous of Morocco by Masrour, Lkebir & Pérez-Lorente (2017).
* A study on the histology of the teeth of ''Suzhousaurus megatherioides'' and ''Falcarius utahensis'', as well as on its implications for the evolution of therizinosaur teeth, is published by Button ''et al.'' (2017).
* A specimen of the tick species ''Cornupalpatum burmanicum'' entangled in a pennaceous feather of an early bird or non-avian pennaraptoran theropod is described from the Cretaceous amber from Myanmar by Peñalver ''et al.'' (2017).
* Wang ''et al.'' (2017) identify the truncation of tooth development during postnatal ontogeny in a Caenagnathidae, caenagnathid Oviraptorosauria, oviraptorosaur and the Early Cretaceous bird ''Sapeornis'', and interpret it as indicative of links between dental reduction and beak evolution in theropod dinosaurs.
* A study on the incubation temperature of Oviraptorosauria, oviraptorosaur eggs recovered from the Upper Cretaceous Nanxiong Formation (China) is published by Amiot ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on the skull Morphology (biology), morphology of ''Avimimus portentosus'' based on a new specimen is published by Tsuihiji ''et al.'' (2017).
* A description of the anatomy of the mandible of ''Gigantoraptor erlianensis'' is published by Ma ''et al.'' (2017).
* Wiemann ''et al.'' (2017) report the discovery of eggshell pigments in the eggs of Late Cretaceous Oviraptoridae, oviraptorid ootaxon ''Macroolithus yaotunensis'', which belonged to ''Heyuannia huangi''.
* An Osteology, osteological description of the skull of the holotype specimen of ''Buitreraptor gonzalezorum'' is published by Gianechini, Makovicky & Apesteguía (2017).
* Description of the anatomy of the skeleton of ''Neuquenraptor argentinus'' is published by Brissón Egli ''et al.'' (2017).
* Wang ''et al.'' (2017) reconstruct the body outline of ''Anchiornis huxleyi'' based on the data on soft tissues revealed by laser-stimulated fluorescence imaging.
* Description of four new specimens of ''Anchiornis huxleyi'' and a study on the phylogenetic relationships of the species is published by Pei ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on the evolution of the Sauropodomorpha, sauropodomorph feeding apparatus is published by Button, Barrett & Emily Rayfield, Rayfield (2017).
* A study on the bone microstructure of sauropodomorph dinosaurs and on its implications for the growth patterns of Basal (phylogenetics), basal sauropodomorphs is published by Cerda ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on the shape differences among Sauropodomorpha, sauropodomorph Humerus, humeri and femora and their implications for the posture and limb mobility of Titanosauriformes, titanosauriform Sauropoda, sauropods is published by Ullmann, Bonnan & Lacovara (2017).
* Sauropodomorph (including possible sauropod) tracks are described from the Upper Triassic Fleming Fjord Formation (Greenland) by Lallensack ''et al.'' (2017).
* A revision of the biostratigraphy and morphological and taxonomic diversity of the sauropodomorph fauna from the Elliot Formation (South Africa) is published by Mcphee ''et al.'' (2017), who interpret ''Antetonitrus ingenipes'' as an Early Jurassic taxon (rather than Triassic one as originally assumed).
* An isolated sauropodomorph tooth with a combination of features present in non-sauropod sauropodomorphs and sauropods is described from the Jurassic Cañadón Asfalto Formation (Argentina) by Becerra, Gomez & Pol (2017).
* Reconstruction of the braincase of ''Saturnalia (genus), Saturnalia tupiniquim'', based on a specimen preserving skull elements (including the bones that form the braincase), is presented by Bronzati ''et al.'' (2017).
* Protein remains preserved in skeletal elements of an Early Jurassic Sauropodomorpha, sauropodomorph dinosaur ''Lufengosaurus'' are described by Lee ''et al.'' (2017).
* A Sauropoda, sauropod tooth is described from the Santonian Csehbánya Formation (Hungary) by Ősi, Csiki-Sava & Prondvai (2017), representing the first known sauropod body fossil from the Santonian of Europe.
* Plant remains found in the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Lameta Formation, Lameta sediments and associated Sauropoda, sauropod coprolites from the Nand-Dongargaon basin (Maharashtra, India) are described by Sonkusare, Samant & Mohabey (2017), providing information on the diet of sauropod dinosaurs.
* A study on the maximum vertical reach of Sauropoda, sauropod necks is published by Gregory S. Paul, Paul (2017).
* A study on the Condyle (anatomy), condyle convexity and range of motion of the joints situated between the vertebrae of the Sauropoda, sauropod dinosaurs as indicated by comparison with extant alligators is published by Fronimos & Jeffrey A. Wilson, Wilson (2017).
* A study evaluating the utility of secondary osteons in inferring the ontogenetic stages of sauropod specimens is published by Mitchell, Sander & Stein (2017).
* Skin impression preserved in a sauropod footprint from the Cretaceous (Albian) Haman Formation (South Korea) is described by Paik ''et al.'' (2017).
* New sauropod fossil material is described from the Lower Jurassic Nam Phong Formation (Thailand) by Laojumpon ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on the complexity pattern of the neurocentral Suture (anatomy), sutures in the vertebrae of ''Spinophorosaurus nigerensis'' and its implications for the stress distribution in the vertebrae of this sauropod is published by Fronimos & Wilson (2017).
* A study on the bifurcated spines in the neck vertebrae of diplodocid sauropods, their implications for the reconstruction of soft tissues associated with bifurcated spines and on the neck posture of diplodocid sauropods, is published by Woodruff (2017).
* A study on the morphological and Histology, histological features of the skeleton that can be used to determine maturity in diplodocid sauropods is published by Woodruff, Fowler & Jack Horner (paleontologist), Horner (2017).
* Five partial vertebrae of a subadult specimen of ''Barosaurus'' are described from the Late Jurassic (Kimmeridgian) Morrison Formation (the Carnegie Quarry of Dinosaur National Monument; Utah, United States) by Hanik, Lamanna & Whitlock (2017).
* A study on the postcranial skeletal pneumaticity in Rebbachisauridae, rebbachisaurid sauropods, based primarily on the vertebrae of ''Katepensaurus goicoecheai'', is published by Ibiricu ''et al.'' (2017), who report a form of pneumaticity that has not previously been observed in sauropods.
* A revision of the sauropod fossil material from the Lower Cretaceous (Barremian) Arcillas de Morella Formation (Spain), indicating presence of at least three sauropod taxa, is published by Mocho ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on the anatomy of the teeth of a specimen of ''Camarasaurus'' recovered from the Howe-Stephens Quarry (Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, United States) is published by Wiersma & Sander (2017).
* Partial skeleton of ''Camarasaurus'' is described from the Little Snowy Mountains (Montana, United States) by Woodruff & Foster (2017), representing the northernmost occurrence of a sauropod in the Morrison Formation reported so far.
* New information on the anatomy of the lectotype specimen of ''Lusotitan atalaiensis'' and a study on the phylogenetic relationships of the species is published by Mocho, Royo-Torres & Ortega (2017).
* Description of new fossils referrable to the type individual of ''Austrosaurus mckillopi'' and reassessment of the fossil material attributed to members of this species is published by Poropat ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on the histology of the bony structures found with the holotype specimen of ''Agustinia ligabuei'' is published by Bellardini & Cerda (2017), who argue that these structures are not osteoderms and that there is no evidence of the presence of dermal armor in ''Agustinia''.
* Tail vertebrae of a titanosaur Sauropoda, sauropod affected by osteomyelitis is described from the Late Cretaceous (Campanian) Anacleto Formation (Argentina) by de García ''et al.'' (2017).
* Bone abnormalities (interpreted as pathologies) present in the skeleton of the type specimen of ''Bonitasaura salgadoi'' are described by Gonzalez, Gallina & Cerda (2017).
* A study on the internal anatomy of the titanosaur osteoderms recovered from the Late Cretaceous site of Lo Hueco (Spain) and the function of titanosaur dermal armor is published by Vidal ''et al.'' (2017).
* A description of new fossil material of ''Alamosaurus sanjuanensis'' (an articulated series of cervical vertebrae from Big Bend National Park, Texas) and a study of phylogenetic relationships of this species is published by Tykoski & Anthony Fiorillo, Fiorillo (2017).
* A study on the osteology and positional assignment of the dorsal vertebrae of ''Dreadnoughtus schrani'' is published by Voegele, Lamanna & Lacovara (2017).
* A study on pathologic titanosaurian eggs from several Upper Cretaceous basins in southwestern Europe is published by Sellés, Vila & Galobart (2017), who interpret the abundance of abnormal eggs as probably caused by a dinosaur faunal replacement at the end of early Maastrichtian (circa 71-70 million years ago).
* A redescription of the postcranial material of ''Lesothosaurus diagnosticus'' is published by Baron, Norman & Barrett (2017), who argue that ''Stormbergia dangershoeki'' is most likely a junior synonym of ''L. diagnosticus''.
* A mandible recovered from the Lower Jurassic upper Elliot Formation (South Africa), assigned to ''Lesothosaurus diagnosticus'', is digitally reconstructed in 3D by Sciscio ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on the phylogenetic relationships of the stegosaurians is published by Raven & Maidment (2017).
* A study on the purported stegosaur fossils from the Middle Jurassic (Aalenian-Bajocian) Inferior Oolite Group (United Kingdom) is published by Peter Galton, Galton (2017).
* A study on the purported stegosaurian dermal plate from the Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Kallamedu Formation (India) is published by Galton & Ayyasami (2017).
* A well-preserved stegosaurian sacrum with paired Ilium (bone), ilia, referred to the species ''Wuerhosaurus ordosensis'' and providing new information on the anatomy of the pelvic girdle of the taxon, is described from the Lower Cretaceous Luohandong Formation (China), is described by Hou & Ji (2017), who interpret the finding as confirming that ''Wuerhosaurus ordosensis'' and ''Wuerhosaurus homheni'' are different species.
* Limitations of animal running speed#Muscle moment arm, Moment arms of muscles of ''Stegosaurus stenops'' are calculated by Brassey, Maidment & Barrett (2017).
* A study on the anatomical features related to feeding and the mechanisms of food processing in ankylosaurian dinosaurs is published by Ősi ''et al.'' (2017).
* Description of a new specimen of ''Crichtonpelta benxiensis'' (nearly completely preserved skull) from the Cretaceous (late Albian–Turonian) Sunjiawan Formation (China) and a study on the phylogenetic relationships of the species is published by Yang ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on the skeletal anatomy of ''Ankylosaurus magniventris'', reinterpreting previously established aspects of the anatomy of members of the species, is published by Arbour & Mallon (2017).
* A study on the length of the Egg incubation, incubation period in ''Hypacrosaurus stebingeri'' and ''Protoceratops andrewsi'' is published by Erickson ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on the ornithischian teeth known from the Upper Cretaceous Csehbánya Formation (Hungary) is published by Virág & Ősi (2017), attributing some of the teeth to the genus ''Mochlodon'' and some to the genus ''Ajkaceratops'' (the first teeth that can provisionally be referred to the latter genus).
* A naturally occurring brain endocast of an iguanodontian ornithopod (possibly ''Barilium'' or ''Hypselospinus''), preserving mineralized brain soft tissues, is described from the Early Cretaceous (Valanginian) Tunbridge Wells Sand Formation (United Kingdom) by Brasier ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on the Amelogenesis, formation of tooth enamel in ''Lanzhousaurus magnidens'' is published by Suarez ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on the individual variation in the Morphology (biology), morphology of the postcranial skeleton of ''Iguanodon bernissartensis'' is published by Verdú ''et al.'' (2017), who consider ''Delapparentia turolensis'' to be impossible to distinguish from ''Iguanodon'' species based on the available material.
* Description of the osteology of the skeleton of a specimen of ''Ouranosaurus nigeriensis'' exhibited at the Museo di Storia Naturale di Venezia, Natural History Museum of Venice is published by Bertozzo, Dalla Vecchia & Fabbri (2017).
* A description of a new specimen of ''Eolambia caroljonesa'' and a study on the phylogenetic relationships of the species is published by McDonald ''et al.'' (2017).
* A redescription of the skull anatomy of ''Edmontosaurus regalis'' and a study on the phylogenetic relationships of hadrosaurids is published by Xing, Mallon & Currie (2017).
* A study on the taphonomy of the Standing Rock Hadrosaur Site, a vast ''Edmontosaurus annectens'' bone bed from the Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Hell Creek Formation (South Dakota, United States) is published by Ullmann ''et al.'' (2017).
* Redescription of a specimen of ''Gryposaurus notabilis'' from the Upper Cretaceous Dinosaur Park Formation (Alberta, Canada) housed at the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Milano, Milan Natural History Museum and a Paleopathology, paleopathological analysis of the specimen is published by Bertozzo ''et al.'' (2017).
* Schroeter ''et al.'' (2017) reevaluate collagen I peptides recovered from a specimen of ''Brachylophosaurus canadensis'' in 2009 and recover additional eight peptide sequences of collagen I from the same specimen.
* An isolated dentary and postcranial skeleton from Dinosaur Provincial Park (Alberta, Canada) is interpreted as likely representing the same skeleton as the holotype skull of ''Corythosaurus excavatus'' by Bramble ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on the histology of two hadrosaurid dentary dental batteries from the Upper Cretaceous of Dinosaur Provincial Park (Alberta, Canada) and its implications for inferring the tooth movement within the hadrosaurid dental battery is published by Bramble ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on the fossilized feces (coprolites) recovered from the Cretaceous Kaiparowits Formation (Utah, United States), produced by large herbivorous dinosaurs (most likely hadrosaurs), is published by Karen Chin, Chin, Feldmann & Tashman (2017), who report evidence indicating that the dinosaurs that produced the coprolites consumed crustaceans and rotted wood.
* A study on the morphological diversity of the snouts and frills of the ceratopsians, as well as on the skull and jaw shape changes in the evolution of the group is published by Maiorino ''et al.'' (2017).
* New specimen of ''Liaoceratops yanzigouensis'' is described from the Lujiatun Bed of the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation (China) by Yang ''et al.'' (2017), who describe the postcranial skeleton of ''L. yanzigouensis'' for the first time.
* An isolated Ceratopsidae, ceratopsid tooth is described from the Late Cretaceous (late Maastrichtian) Owl Creek Formation (Mississippi, United States) by Farke & Phillips (2017), representing the first reported occurrence of a ceratopsid from eastern North America.
* A study on correlating the microstructure and nanostructure from femoral bones of ''Koreanosaurus'' through electron microscopy is published by Kim ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on the microstructure and chemistry of a fossil rib of ''Koreanosaurus boseongenesis'', its hosting mudstone, and the boundary in-between, intending to establish the factors that contributed to diagenesis and the preservation of fossil bone, is published by Kim ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on Dinosaur Park troodonts concludes that ''Troodon'' is a ''nomen dubium'', revives ''Stenonychosaurus'' and names a new genus, ''Latenivenatrix''.
* ''Chilesaurus diegosuarezi'', considered to be a theropod dinosaur by the authors of its description, is reinterpreted as a Basal (phylogenetics), basal ornithischian by Baron & Barrett (2017).
* A study on the forelimb posture of four articulated specimens of ''Chilesaurus diegosuarezi'' from the Late Jurassic Toqui Formation (Chile) is published by Chimento ''et al.'' (2017).
* Closely associated theropod and probable hadrosaur eggs are described from the Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) St. Mary River Formation (Montana, United States) by Jackson & Varricchio (2017), who name a new theropod ootaxon ''Tetonoolithus nelsoni''.

New taxa

Birds

Research

* A study on the method allowing estimation of wing loading and Aspect ratio (aeronautics), aspect ratio in Mesozoic birds and on flight modes that were possible for Mesozoic birds is published by Serrano ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on whether sternal keel length and ilium length were correlated in bird evolution, based on data from extant birds and Mesozoic birds, is published by Zhao, Liu and Li (2017).
* A study on the impact of varying oxygen concentrations, global temperatures and air densities on the flight performance of extinct birds and on major diversification events which took place during the evolution of birds is published by Serrano ''et al.'' (2017).
* A study on the Shoulder girdle, pectoral girdle Morphology (biology), morphology of Mesozoic birds and its implications for the evolution of the avian flight musculature (specifically the Bird anatomy#Muscular system, supracoracoideus muscle) is published by Gerald Mayr, Mayr (2017).
* A study on the morphological characteristics and evolution of the pygostyle and tail feathers in Early Cretaceous birds and closely related non-avian theropods is published by Wang & O'Connor (2017).
* A study on the postnatal skeletal development of limb bones in four species of extant aquatic birds (the streaked shearwater, the Japanese cormorant, the black-tailed gull and the rhinoceros auklet) and its implications for the assessment of ontogenetic stage of fossil and skeletal bird specimens is published by Watanabe (2017).
* A study estimating values of body weight, wing span and wing area of the trackmakers of the Cretaceous Ichnotaxon, ichnotaxa ''Archaeornithipus meijidei'', ''Hwangsanipes choughi'' and ''Yacoraitichnus avis'' is published by Tanaka (2017).
* The presence of the Atlas (anatomy), atlas rib in ''Archaeopteryx'' is reported for the first time by Tsuihiji (2017).
* A tooth attributed to an Archaeopterygidae, archaeopterygid bird is described from the Early Cretaceous of France by Louchart & Pouech (2017).
* A well-preserved skull of a juvenile specimen of ''Sapeornis chaoyangensis'' is described by Wang ''et al.'' (2017), preserving what the authors consider to be the complete dentition.
* A study on the flight capabilities of ''Sapeornis chaoyangensis'' is published by Serrano & Luis M. Chiappe, Chiappe (2017).
* A study on the relationship between the oxygen isotope composition of bird bone phosphate and that of the drinking water of birds, as well as on implications of applying the discovered equation to ''Confuciusornis'' and to the Miocene and Pliocene

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