Since Darwin, similarities between modern birds and reptiles started speculation that these groups had something in common. Then, in 1861, the first specimen of the famous Archaeopteryx ("ancient wing") was found in Bavaria. It seemed to be a mixture of bird-like and reptile-like characteristics. “For many, this creature was - and is - a powerful confirmation of large-scale evolutionary change (“Are birds feathered dinosaurs?”).” Since then more and more new discoveries have been found influencing the dino-bird theory. The most recent discovery was in Northern China, of a feathered covered dinosaur that may very well be the answer to this very important question.
Lately, it has been declared that birds evolved from a group of dinosaurs called maniraptoran theropods, small meat-eating dinosaurs like the Velociraptor. There is an abundance of evidence originating from different sources that birds evolved from carnivorous dinosaurs that lived during the Mesozoic Era. The primary source of evidence supporting this scientific view is the similarity in the shape of birds’ bones and many maniraptorans’ bones, but extraordinary new discoveries have included more pieces of evidence. One involves many features from the eggs of these dinosaurs. A lot of fossils have revealed that not only did maniraptorans act like birds when they lay their eggs, but that the eggs also looked like bird eggs.
Although birds and dinosaurs look drastically different, they are related through evolution. They come from a specific group of dinosaurs called Theropods and specifically a subgroup of Theropods known as Maniraptora ("Are Birds Really Dinosaurs?"). Dinosaurs and birds also share many features in common such as feathers, hollow bones, and the laying of eggs to give birth. Modern reptiles such as alligators are also related to birds far in the past (Powell). Finally, scientists draw their conclusions about the relation of dinosaurs and birds from modern birds and the similarities that are shown between them and dinosaurs from fossils ("Are Birds Really Dinosaurs?
Ceratopsians and Pachycephalosaurs Around 144 million years ago, began the emergence of the Ornithischian dinosaurs during the cretaceous period and diversified into North America and Asia. Ornithischians were classified as having a hip structure similar to that of birds, although they are not the descendants of birds. Marginocephalians, meaning "fringed heads" are a group of Ornithischians that have a distinctive skull structure, consisting of a slight shelf or bony frill on the back of the skull, a unique palate, and a short hip structure. These herbivores include two major groups: the Ceratopsians and the Pachcephalosaurians. These plant-eaters include the Ceratopsians, horned dinosaurs such as the Triceratops, Styrachosaurus, Pentaceratops, and the Protoceratops.
The earliest Troodon fossils were found as ... ... middle of paper ... ...onounce Its Own Name). The Troodon formosus was a unique dinosaur that is not always discussed during common science conversations about dinosaurs. Works Cited “Troodon.” Troodon Dinosaur, Dinosaur History, Dino, Dinosaurs, Dinosaur Egg, Flying Dinosaur, Dinosaur Tooth, Dinosaur Brain, Dinosaur Activity. N.p., n.d. Web.
Mark Norell, Chairman of the Division of Paleontology at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, states, “Not only are troodontids, [cousins of the tyrannosaurs], very closely related to birds, but this particular one is in a stereotypical resting pose of birds” (Lemmonick par. 7). This dinosaur was discovered perched on its back legs, forelimbs at its side, head buried under its left el... ... middle of paper ... ...at some dinosaur species had hollow bones, which is a distinguishing characteristic of birds. My final reason for believing that birds are dinosaurs is because dinosaurs also had feathers during some part of their life span. Feathers are the distinguishing factors that make birds, well…birds.
Besides being an oddity, what makes this particular find so significant? What are these implications that have riled some scientists up, and what is it that these experts argue? Before any sort of discussion on the debate of what M. gui implies, however, the details of this odd reptile’s discovered fossils should be given. Through past research and findings, the leading theory on the origin of birds traces them back to dinosaurs, more specifically a type of bipedal dinosaur called theropods. Within this group of mostly carnivorous dinosaurs are the dromaeosaurids, and they specifically are believed to be the closest dinosaur ancestors of birds.
Dinosaur Fossil Discoveries in Antarctica The chance of two different research groups finding two different fossils that are in fact two different kinds of species within the course of a week is close to impossible. However, this rare and lucky occurrence in the paleontology world has occured. Two research teams have retrieved fossils of two different dinosaurs in Antarctica that might possibly be unknown species. Judd Case and James Martin discovered bones, specifically those of the lower legs and feet, as well as the animal’s upper jaw and teeth. These fossils are said to be related to the carnivorous theropods, such as tyrannosaurs and velociraptors.
The sizes of some groups, as well as their seemingly horrible and incredible nature, have enhanced dinosaurs' regular appearance. Persistent public interest for the animals has resulted in major support for dinosaur science. Dinosaurs can be generally described as archosaurs with limbs held erect beneath the body. The fossil record indicates that birds evolved from theropod dinosaurs during the Jurassic Period. Birds are considered as a subgroup of dinosaurs by many palaeontologists.
Inaccurate Portrayal of the Dinosaur Face As time goes on, Paleontologists discover more and more fossil remains, and with that more and more information about dinosaurs. Yet even with the great deal of fossils that have been discovered in the past century, scientists are still forced to make educated guesses about certain dinosaur behaviors, traits, and appearance. Dr. Lawrence Witmer’s recent research addresses this issue. Dr. Witmer argues that the fleshy nostril of dinosaurs lies in a different place than has been assumed and portrayed for over the last one hundred years. Dr. Witmer’s discovery was published in the August issue of Science magazine in 2001 and may change how we envision dinosaurs forever.