Feathered dinosaur found in China may explain predator clues

A new species of feathered dinosaur discovered in northwestern China may solve a long-standing mystery about a fossil site famous for its ancient bird remains. The dinosaur, named Jian changmaensis, is the first non-avian dinosaur found in the Changma Basin of Gansu Province, an area where paleontologists have previously recovered over 100 early Cretaceous bird skeletons.

The fossil, consisting of a partial left shoulder and forelimb, was unearthed from the Lower Cretaceous Xiagou Formation, which dates to approximately 124 to 120 million years ago. Analysis indicates the dinosaur belonged to the Microraptoridae, a subgroup of small, feathered dromaeosaurs closely related to Velociraptor. Researchers stated the specimen is one of the largest microraptors ever discovered, with a partial humerus bone measuring about 10 centimeters. This suggests the dinosaur had a wingspan of roughly four feet, comparable to a modern barn owl.

Like other microraptors, Jian changmaensis is believed to have had long feathers on both its arms and legs, giving it a four-winged appearance. Scientists involved in the study said these dinosaurs were likely not capable of true, powered flight but could...