Story perspectives
New Microraptor Species Shows 30% Flight Evolution Overlap
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Story summary
- Chinese paleontologists described a new four-winged microraptor species, Norellraptor barsboldi.
- The 57 cm skeleton preserves feathers on fore-and hind-limbs and a feathered tail.
- Researchers determined the animal was at least three years old and measured 21 inches long.
- Sharp teeth and claws indicate it hunted small mammals, lizards, amphibians, and juvenile dinosaurs.
- Authors argue the find supports evolution of flight in microraptors and birds, with 30 % overlapping anatomical changes in different sequences.