Medioolithus Explained

Medioolithus is an oogenus of fossil egg laid by a paleognath.[1]

Description

Medioolithus is known several eggshell fragments, and one complete, spherical egg. M. geiseltalensis is very similar to modern ratite eggs, for example those of ostriches, rheas, and cassowaries. At 9cm (04inches) in diameter, however, it is smaller than the eggs of any of these birds, being more similar in size to the egg of a kiwi.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Kohring, R., & Hirsch, K. F. (1996). "Crocodilian and avian eggshells from the Middle Eocene of the Geiseltal, Eastern Germany." Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, 16(1), 67-80.