The recently discovered fossils of Anchiornis (above) predate Archaeopteryx, the first known bird, by between one million and 11 million years. AP Photo/Hu Dongyu, Bristol University England |
A newly described, profusely feathered dinosaur may give lift to scientists' understanding of bird and flight evolution, researchers report. The lithe creature, which stood about 28 centimeters tall at the hip, is the oldest known to have sported feathers and is estimated to be between 1 million and 11 million years older than Archaeopteryx, the first known bird.
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