Feathers, filaments and theropod dinosaurs

Article Abstract:

A detailed description of Sinosauropteryx prima, the 'feathered' dinosaur discovered in China, indicates that the integument (skin) had discrete filamentous structures. Researchers have described two almost complete examples which bear signs of soft tissues including the eyes, the integument and possibly some internal organs. They clearly favour the view that the discrete filamentous structures are some form of 'proto-feather.' This discovery provides new material for the debate about whether birds evolved from dinosaurs.

Evolution (Biology), Birds

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The earliest dromaeosaurid theropod from South America

Article Abstract:

A near-complete, small dromaeosaurid that is the most complete and also the earliest member of Maniraptora from South American is described. This provides evidence for a unique Gondwanan lineage of Dromaeosauridae with an origin predating the separation between northern and southern landmasses.

South America, Origin, Theropoda, Theropods, Dromaeosaurids

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A Cretaceous terrestrial snake with robust hindlimbs and a sacrum

Article Abstract:

A fossil snake was reported with a sacrum supporting a pelvic griddle and robust, functional legs outside the ribcage. The snake reported was found in the context of a rich early Upper Cretaceous fossil fauna and represents the earliest limbed snake from a fully terrestrial deposit.

United States, Snakes, Invertebrates, Fossil, Fossil invertebrates

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