55-Million-Year-Old Fossil Bird Reveals Trogon Foot Evolution

Times of India - India · india

A 55-million-year-old fossil bird, Daniatrogon kochi, discovered in Denmark is shedding light on the evolution of modern trogon feet. Found in the Fur Formation, this exceptionally preserved specimen exhibits a foot structure that differs from other known trogoniforms. Researchers believe its foot morphology, particularly the less reversed second toe and a long big toe, provides crucial insights into how the distinctive heterodactyl foot of modern trogons developed. This fossil evidence suggests the reversed second toe evolved before the reduction of the big toe.