Search

The early evolution of the major groups of derived non-avialan theropods is still not well understood, mainly because of their poor fossil record in the Jurassic. A well-known result of this problem is the ‘temporal paradox’ argument that is sometimes made against the theropod hypothesis of avian origins. Here we report on an exceptionally well-preserved small theropod specimen collected from the earliest Late Jurassic Tiaojishan Formation of western Liaoning, China. The specimen is referable to the Troodontidae, which are among the theropods most closely related to birds. This new find refutes the ‘temporal paradox’ and provides significant information on the temporal framework of theropod divergence. Furthermore, the extensive feathering of this specimen, particularly the attachment of long pennaceous feathers to the pes, sheds new light on the early evolution of feathers and demonstrates the complex distribution of skeletal and integumentary features close to the dinosaur–bird transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on a new dromaeosaurid dinosaur, Microraptor zhaoianus gen. et sp. nov., from the Early Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation in Liaoning, China. Size and physical features of the dinosaur, which provide insight into the morphological transition to birds; Insights into the study of the paleoecology of some bird-like theropod dinosaurs.

Presents research which described a new therizinosauroid, or Asian dinosaur, from the Yixian Formation, Early Cretaceous period, in Liaoning, China. Affinities of the dinosaur with other dinosaurs; New taxon located in the coelurosaurian theropods; Traits of the dinosaur; Implications for the distribution of feather-like structures among non-avian theropods.

Describes two theropods from the Upper Jurassic/Lower Cretaceous Chaomidianzi Formation of Liaoning Province, China. How both fossil skeletons have feathers; Implications of this discovery on how science views dinosaur and bird evolution; Details of the fossils found.

Presents research which studied two fossilized dinosaur skeletons from Liaoning, northeastern China. Species Sinosauropteryx prima closely related to Compsognathus; Details about specimens; Unique traits; Possible implications for the origin of feathers.