Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have discovered the remains of an extinct ancient bird with a skull unique to dinosaurs. The study was published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution.

During excavations in China, the remains of an early primitive bird were discovered. cratonavis zhui. Paleontologists examined the fossil remains using high-resolution computed tomography (CT). The shape of the bird’s skull was similar to that of a tyrannosaurus. After creating digital models, a team of scientists discovered that: Cratonavis It cannot move the upper part of the beak independently from the lower part. This distinguishes it from modern birds.

In addition, Cratonavis He had a surprisingly long scapula and the first metatarsal bone of the foot. Modern birds have a short metatarsal: this feature developed during evolution. A long blade can compensate for the general underdevelopment of the aircraft Cratonavis .

in the evolution tree Cratonavis between Archeopteryx, which looks more like a reptile, and ornithologists who have already developed many of the features of modern birds. The age of the rocks where the remains were found Cratonavis ZhuiIt is estimated to be 120 million years old.

The study will allow scientists to better understand how dinosaurs developed adaptations for flight and eventually spawn groups of birds.