A new species of tiny, feathered dinosaur has been discovered.
Researchers have discovered a new species of small, feathered, flightless dinosaur from the Jurassic period (145.5-199.6 million years ago).
Based on the fossilized skeleton of a dinosaur named "Eosinopteryx brevipenna" found in northeastern China, scientists determined that the animal was less than 30cm long and had a short nose and tail.
Eosinopteryx brevipenna dinosaur.
Based on its short wingspan and bone structure, researchers believe that Eosinopteryx could run on the ground quite easily, but could not be fast enough to flap its wings and take flight. Its toes were also only suited for ground locomotion.
The plumage of this bird-like dinosaur was more compact than that of some other dinosaurs of the same era, suggesting that dinosaur feathers had diversified by the end of the Jurassic period, evolving to adapt to different ecological conditions.
Researcher Gareth Dyke, a senior lecturer in paleontology at the University of Southampton in the UK, said: “This discovery further skepticism is raised about the theory that the famous Archaeopteryx fossil – sometimes called the ‘first bird’ – was a key link in the evolution of modern birds. Our discovery demonstrates that the origins of flying creatures are far more complex than previously thought.”
This new research is detailed in last week's issue of Nature Communications.
According to (Vietnam+) - VT
