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What is Furcula?

The furcula (from the Latin "furca" meaning "fork") is found in the upper "chest" area of theropod dinosaurs and is formed by the fusion of the two clavicles (collar bones). It is also one of the reasons for the theory that birds evolved from dinosaurs -- the furcula is commonly known as "the wishbone". In birds, its function is to strengthen this part of the skeleton for the rigors of flight though its function in larger (flightless) theropods is uncertain.
References
Hans-Peter Schultze and Linda Trueb (1992) Origins of the Higher Groups of Tetrapods: Controversy and Consensus.
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To cite this page:
Atkinson, L. "DinoChecker FAQ entry :: What is Furcula?"
http://www.dinochecker.com/dinosaurfaqs/what-is-furcula›. Web access: 29th Mar 2024.
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