Feathered Dinosaurs and the Origins of Flight
Kids meet Deinonychus
Therizinosaur: The Ultimate Big Bird
Feathered Dinosaurs and the Origin of Flight,
an exhibition at the Arizona Museum of Natural History from March 1 through
September 28, presents exciting evidence from remarkable fossils discovered
in China that are bringing new answers to the on-going debate about the
relationship between dinosaurs and birds, as well as how they evolved the
ability to fly.
The exhibit is a rare opportunity to see firsthand a collection of 35
fossils that are national treasures on loan from the People’s Republic of
China. These fossils reveal a new understanding of how birds are related to
dinosaurs. Also on display are many life-size recreations that demonstrate
startling changes in how dinosaurs have been portrayed over the years.
Caudipteryx
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Caudipteryx fossil
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Caudipteryx fossil in ultraviolet light |
1. The fossil of Caudipteryx preserved not only the bones, but
also impressions of feathers from the wings and tail. Caudipteryx was
originally thought of as a small feathered dinosaur, but it was actually a
very primitive bird which had lost the ability to fly, much like the Ostrich
of today. The Dinosaur Museum © 2004.
2. The skeletal remains in the fossil of
Caudipteryx fluoresce in ultra-violet light and appear a bright golden
color. The Dinosaur Museum © 2004.
3. Caudipteryx sculpture. The life restoration of Caudipteryx
based on information from the fossil revealed that it had a very bird-like
appearance. Caudipteryx was not capable of flying. Sculpture by
Stephen Czerkas, © 2005.
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