Table 1 Posterior probabilities predicting non-avian paravian ecology by LDA of TM data on modern avian claws

From: Exceptional preservation and foot structure reveal ecological transitions and lifestyles of early theropod flyers

  1. Values with darker backgrounds are more likely, values with lighter backgrounds are less likely (see the ‘Key’ row). Ambopteryx, Confuciusornis, and Yanornis all have claws most similar to specialised constricting raptors, followed by ground birds. Ecology is uncertain for Anchiornis, with different specimens showing affinities for ground bird, specialised constricting raptorial, or striking raptorial lifestyles. Archaeopteryx ecology is similarly uncertain, with different specimens showing an affinity for scavenging and striking raptorial use of the pes. Fortunguavis shows affinity with perching birds, though with digit I excluded it appears more similar to specialised constricting raptors. Microraptor shows a consistent affinity for restraint raptorial style followed distantly by striking raptorial style. Sapeornis shows a strong affinity for a perching non-raptorial lifestyle, followed by striking and specialised constricting raptorial styles. The probability of a piercing ecology is not given as only one bird, Pandion haliaetus, represented this category in our dataset.
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