Microraptor: Research Database Dromaeosauridae (Theropoda) · Early Cretaceous (~120 MYA) · Asia — China (Jiufotang Formation) Research Note: Microraptor zhaoianus is one of the smallest known non-avian dinosaurs and a pivotal fossil in understanding the evolution of flight in dinosaurs. Its well-preserved specimens reveal evidence of feathers on all four limbs, making it a … Read more
In Depth The dromaeosaurids are a very popular group of dinosaurs that all share a few common features. These include reasonably lightweight build, long stiff tails for balance, legs and pelvis adapted for very fast running and a large sickle shaped claw on the second toe of each foot. Balaur however is a dromaeosaur with … Read more
Changyuraptor: Research Database Pterosauria (Avialae) · Early Cretaceous (~125 MYA) · Asia — China (Yixian Formation) Research Note: Changyuraptor yangensis was a large pterosaur from the Early Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Liaoning, China. At approximately 3 metres wingspan, it is one of the largest known pterosaurs from the Jehol Biota and preserves exceptional evidence … Read more
Archaeopteryx: Research Database Avialae (Aves) · Late Jurassic (~150 MYA) · Europe — Germany (Solnhofen Limestone, Bavaria) Research Note: Archaeopteryx is an important fossil taxon. See citations below for primary research literature. Research Finding Status Grade Year Method Citation Impact Qiang et al. 2000: New data on the anatomy and evolutionary significance of … Read more
Shanag: Research Database Pterodactyloidea (Pterosauria) · Early Cretaceous (~120 MYA) · Asia — Mongolia (Nemegt Formation) Research Note: Shanag was a small pterodactyloid pterosaur from the Early Cretaceous of Mongolia — known from exceptional specimens and an important taxon for understanding pterosaur diversity in the Cretaceous of Asia. Research Finding Status Grade Year … Read more
Wulong: Research Database Microraptoria (Theropoda) · Early Cretaceous (~120–110 MYA) · Asia — China (Liaoning, Yixian Formation) Research Note: Wulong was a small microraptorian dromaeosaurid theropod from the Early Cretaceous of China — a close relative of Microraptor with distinctive plumage. As a member of the Microraptoria, it provides data on the evolution of … Read more
Nuthetes: Research Database Dromaeosauridae (Theropoda) · Early Cretaceous (~140–125 MYA) · Europe — England (Wealden Group) Research Note: Nuthetes was a small dromaeosaurid theropod from the Early Cretaceous Wealden Group of England, one of the few dromaeosaurids known from Europe. Its name derives from the Greek nouthetes, meaning “guardian” or “monitor”. It provides important … Read more
In Depth Boreonykus is a genus of dromaeosaurid dinosaur that lived in Canada during the late Cretaceous. Further Reading - A high-latitude dromaeosaurid, Boreonykus certekorum, gen. et sp. nov. (Theropoda), from the upper Campanian Wapiti Formation, west-central Alberta. - Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology e1034359. - P. R. Bell & P. J. Currie - 2015.
In Depth Atrociraptor has been described from very incomplete remains, but two clear observations can be made about this dinosaur. One is that the snout appears to be both deeper and shorter than most other dromaeosaurs, something that could indicate a strong bite due to larger muscles and the outer teeth being placed closer to … Read more
In Depth Although not very well known, Tianyuraptor is important to many palaeontologists because it is often regarded as a transitional form that links northern and southern genera of dromaeosaurids. Tianyuraptor is noted for having a smaller than usual furcula and arms that are proportionately much smaller than those of other dromaeosaurid genera. Overall, Tianyuraptor … Read more