China Fossil Find Reveals 4-Foot Microraptor Jian changmaensis, One of the Largest on Record
Updated
Updated · VICE · Jun 13
China Fossil Find Reveals 4-Foot Microraptor Jian changmaensis, One of the Largest on Record
3 articles · Updated · VICE · Jun 13
Summary
CT scans of a left shoulder and arm fossil from northwestern China identified Jian changmaensis, a new non-avian dinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous Changma Basin.
The upper arm bone measured just over 4 inches, pointing to a wingspan of about 4 feet and making Jian one of the largest microraptorines yet found.
Jian belonged to the Velociraptor-related dromaeosaurs and likely glided rather than flew, using feathered forelimbs and hind limbs to swoop on prey.
The Changma Basin site was discovered by accident in 1981 during a fish hunt and has since yielded more than 100 bird skeletons, some with preserved feathers and skin.