The discovery helps shed light on the origins of modern birds
Chinese scientists have discovered a new species of feathered dinosaur that lived around 120 million years ago. The find may help us better understand the evolutionary path that led dinosaurs to develop the ability to fly, reports China Daily, a partner of TV BRICS.
The fossil was found in north-eastern China, in Liaoning province. Scientists managed to uncover not only the skeletal bones but also feather impressions around the dinosaur’s body. This has enabled experts to study its appearance and anatomical features.
Researchers have established that the new dinosaur belonged to the group of pennaraptors – a branch of carnivorous dinosaurs considered to be closely related to the ancestors of modern birds. Its forelimbs had large, wing-like feathers; its hindlimbs had large feathers; and its tail had long feathers forming a broad, fan-like shape.
Scientists note that such a combination of features has not previously been observed in any dinosaurs known to science. In their view, this characteristic could prove to be a key to understanding the evolution of flight and the origin of modern birds.
The lead researcher, Xu Xing, a Chinese palaeontologist from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has named the new species Changzhousaurus sinensis. The name is linked to the city of Changzhou in the eastern Chinese province of Jiangsu, which is known for its work in popularising dinosaur science and developing science-based tourism.
TVBRICS
