Discovery of Baminornis zhenghensis - Implications for Avian Evolution

SOURCE www.nbcnews.com
The fossil of a Jurassic bird called Baminornis zhenghensis was discovered in southeastern China, challenging previous beliefs about avian evolution. This quail-sized bird lived around 150 million years ago and had a short tail with advanced aerodynamic features, suggesting it could fly better than the iconic Archaeopteryx. The discovery fills a crucial gap in the fossil record and suggests that avian evolution may have occurred earlier than previously thought.

Key Points

  • Baminornis lived around 150 million years ago during the Jurassic period
  • Had a short tail with advanced aerodynamic features
  • Challenges the idea that Archaeopteryx was the only bird fossil from the Jurassic period

Pros

  • Challenges previous beliefs about avian evolution
  • Fills a gap in the fossil record
  • Suggests avian evolution may have occurred earlier than previously thought

Cons

  • Feathers and skull of Baminornis were not preserved, limiting some insights